E70-E90: Metabolic disorders

E80: Disorders of porphyrin and bilirubin metabolism

Disorders of porphyrin and bilirubin metabolism, grouped under the category E80, are a range of conditions that affect how the body processes specific chemicals related to the liver and blood. These disorders are often present from birth but can be induced by certain substances or environmental triggers. Porphyrins, which are key components in hemoglobin (the molecule that carries oxygen in the blood) when not properly processed can accumulate in the body, leading to various symptoms such as abdominal pain, nervous system abnormalities, sensitivity to light, and skin rashes. On the other hand, bilirubin disorders typically cause jaundice, where the skin and whites of the eye turn yellow due to an overload of this yellow-colored byproduct of red blood cell breakdown. The progression of these diseases can vary significantly, but both types can affect systems widely, primarily impacting the liver, blood, skin, and nervous system.