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- Defect: an abnormality.
- Deficiency: a lower amount of enzyme compound that is necessary for normal function.
- Delta-aminolevulinic acid: see Aminolevulinic acid.
- Dialysis: method for removing waste products such as potassium and urea, as well as free water from the blood when the kidneys are in renal failure.
- Disease: deviation from a normal state of physical or mental health caused by the body’s response to the genetic defects, the environment, and/or infectious substances.
- Disorder: an abnormal physical or mental condition.
- DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid): a molecule that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of living organisms, including some viruses.
- Dominant inheritance: type of inheritance pattern wherein only one affected parent is needed to pass on the trait to their children. Each child of a parent who carries the trait has a 50% chance of inheriting the trait.
- Dual porphyrias: the presence of more than one type of porphyria in an individual. This is known but is rare.
