Childhood-onset variegate porphyria (VPCO), also called 'homozygous' variegate porphyria, is a rare disorder of heme biosynthesis characterized by severe PPOX deficiency, onset of photosensitization by porphyrins in early childhood, skeletal abnormalities of the hand, and, less consistently, short stature, impaired intellectual development, and seizures. The term 'homozygous' refers to the presence of mutations on both alleles of the PPOX gene, resulting in earlier onset and more severe manifestations than those seen in variegate porphyria (VP), a low-penetrance disorder inherited as an autosomal dominant trait (summary by Roberts et al., 1998). Heterozygous family members of VPCO patients are usually clinically silent, but symptomatic heterozygotes have been reported (Mustajoki et al., 1987; Palmer et al., 2001; Kauppinen et al., 2001). Nomenclature 'Homozygous' variegate porphyria was so designated before the molecular defect in PPOX was elucidated, on the basis of severe reduction in PPOX activity (between 5 and 20% of control values) compared to that seen in variegate porphyria (approximately 50% reduction), in which autosomal dominant transmission had been observed. It is probable that most cases of 'homozygous' variegate porphyria actually result from compound heterozygosity for PPOX mutations (Frank et al., 1998; Palmer et al., 2001). [from OMIM]