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Off Target But Hitting the Mark

Journal of Hospital Medicine 13(4). 2018 April;:280-284. Published online first December 6, 2017 | 10.12788/jhm.2887

© 2018 Society of Hospital Medicine

KEY POINTS

  • Consider AIP in patients with unexplained abdominal pain, especially when accompanied by neuropsychiatric symptoms and autonomic lability.
  • Diagnose AIP by sending a urine PBG during a suspected acute attack.
  • Treat AIP acutely by removing precipitants, treating abdominal pain, and initiating dextrose-containing fluids and hemin infusions to downregulate ALA synthase.

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the patient who enthusiastically supported the writing of this report.


Disclosure

Warren Gavin, MD has disclosed participation in expert testimony. The authors have no financial or other conflicts of interest to disclose.