uroporphyria /yo͝or′ōpôrfir″ē·ə/ [Gk, ouron + porphyros, purple] , a rare genetic disease characterized by excessive secretion of uroporphyrin in the urine, blistering dermatitis, photosensitivity, splenomegaly, and hemolytic anemia. Corticosteroid ointments may be helpful for the skin lesions; splenectomy may be necessary to alleviate the hemolytic anemia. Most patients die from hematologic complications before they reach middle age. See also porphyria.
