Which symptoms are associated with acute intermittent porphyria?

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Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is a metabolic disorder characterized by the deficiency of the enzyme porphobilinogen deaminase, leading to an accumulation of porphobilinogen and other precursors. The symptoms associated with AIP typically present as recurrent attacks that can include severe abdominal pain, neurological manifestations, and alterations in urine color.

One hallmark of AIP is the presence of dark or red-wine colored urine, which results from the excretion of porphyrins and porphyrin precursors during acute attacks. The abdominal pain is often severe and can be accompanied by other autonomic disturbances such as tachycardia, hypertension, and psychiatric symptoms.

The other options are not representative of AIP. For instance, photosensitive skin lesions are more characteristic of porphyria cutanea tarda, while microcytic anemia with stippling is seen in conditions like lead poisoning or thalassemia. Liver disease is typically not a direct consequence of AIP, as the primary manifestations revolve around acute abdominal and neurological symptoms rather than chronic liver complications. Overall, the association of recurrent abdominal pain and the distinctive red-wine colored urine is a defining feature of acute intermittent porphyria.

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