South Africa

City
Cape Town
Name of Centre
UCT Porphyria Labs
Full address
K-floor, Old GSH Main Building,
Groote Schuur Drive, Observatory,
Cape Town 7925, South Africa
Email
peter.meiremovessner@uct.ac.za
Website
http://www.porphyria.uct.ac.za/
Tel
021 406 6332
Director
Prof. Peter Meissner / Prof. Wendy Spearman from 2023
Email
peter.meissremovener@uct.ac.za / wenremovedy.spearman@uct.ac.za
Tel
+27 (0) 21 406 6206 / +27 (0) 404 5228
Activities
Laboratory diagnosis of the porphyrias – qualitative and quantitative porphyrin and precursor (ALA&PBG) analyses. Genetic screening for the common variegate porphyria-associated mutation in South Africa (R59W PPOX mutation), and common genetic haemochromatosis genes. Biochemical interpretation of porphyrin excretory profiles.
Clinical service to porphyria patients, inpatient and outpatient – hospital management of porphyria acute attacks, monitoring and assessment of porphyria clinical activity in patients via outpatient clinic (run through the Clinical Hepatology Division at GSH-UCT).
Porphyria information service for patients, their families and doctors, including drug safety advice.