Fifty years of porphyria at the University of Cape Town

Peter N Meissner; Anne V Corrigall; Richard J Hift

doi:10.7196/SAMJ.5710

Centenary of the UCT Faculty of Health Sciences

Fifty years of porphyria at the University of Cape Town

Peter N Meissner, Anne V Corrigall, Richard J Hift

Abstract

The porphyrias are a group of disorders resulting from defective haem biosynthesis. One form, variegate porphyria, is common in South Africa as a result of a founder effect. Over the past 50 years, the University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences has built and maintained an international reputation for excellence in the field of porphyria. The porphyria group is respected for its research and for its accumulated experience in the management of these disorders. Equally important has been the comprehensive and holistic care offered to patients with porphyria, and to their families.

Authors' affiliations

Peter N Meissner, Porphyria Laboratories, Division of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town

Anne V Corrigall, UCT Porphyria Laboratories, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town

Richard J Hift, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban