A 45-year-old man presents to the office for evaluation of a blistering skin rash. He was out in the sun with his family at a baseball game several days ago. Later that evening, he developed a severe blistering rash on the forearms, hands, neck, and legs. He has tried over-the-counter topical emollients but to little effect. The patient has had similar rashes in the past that eventually self-resolved. The first of such episodes occurred around 10-years ago. Past medical history is also significant for
hyperlipidemia and
chronic hepatitis C virus infection. He does not consume
alcohol, tobacco, or illicit substances. Vitals are within normal limits. Physical examination reveals small ruptured blisters diffusely across the forearms, hands, neck, and lower legs.
A defect in which of the following steps of the heme biosynthesis pathway is most likely responsible for this patient’s symptoms?
