Unmasking the "Little Imitator": Identifying and Managing Acute Hepatic Porphyria in the OB/GYN Setting

Target Audience
This initiative is intended for obstetrics/gynecologic (OB/GYN) physicians, nurses, physician assistants and other healthcare professionals assessing patients in the OB/GYN setting.

Program Overview
Many women experience abdominal and pelvic pain related to their menstrual cycle or endometriosis. Yet for some women, these symptoms are due to a group of inherited diseases known as acute hepatic porphyria (AHP). On average, patients spend 15 years misdiagnosed and undergoing numerous medical tests and visits with specialists. This activity will explore how to differentially diagnose patients with unexplained pelvic pain, strategies for confirming a suspected diagnosis of AHP, and available treatments options to ensure early diagnosis and optimal outcomes.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

Explain the etiology and pathophysiology of AHP as a cause of severe abdominal/pelvic pain among women 
Identify signs and symptoms suggestive of AHP that may present in women seeking OB/GYN care 
Define appropriate strategies to screen and diagnose AHP among OB/GYN patients 
Recognize the impact that the menstrual cycle- and medication-induced hormonal changes have on AHP attacks 
Assess the clinical utility of disease-specific therapies for preventing AHP attacks in women
Propose interdisciplinary strategies to individualize clinical management of AHP in the OB/GYN setting