[Acute porphyrias: problem of primary diagnosis in Russia and CIS countries].

Aim: To analyse manifestations and experience in primary screening diagnosis of acute porphyrias which are rarely encountered and little known by general practitioners.
Material and Methods: The data on 100 patients with the diagnosis acute porphyria have been analysed. Porphyrin metabolism in differential diagnosis was estimated according to standard techniques.
Results: Analysis of primary diagnosis of acute porphyria hepatica in Russia (region-related prevalence, duration of diagnosis, complications because of late pathogenetic treatment) demonstrates the importance of screening diagnosis of acute porphyria at the level of municipal clinics.
Conclusion: Early diagnosis prevents severe complications of acute porphyria and reduces cost of examinations in search of accurate diagnosis.