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Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH)

PNH

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is a rare disease in which red blood cells break down earlier than normal.

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Causes

People with this disease have blood cells that are missing a gene called PIG-A. This gene allows a substance called glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI) to help certain proteins stick to cells.

Without PIG-A, important proteins cannot connect to the cell surface and protect the cell from substances in the blood called complement. As a result, red blood cells break down too early. The red cells leak hemoglobin into the blood, which can pass into the urine. This can happen at any time, but is more likely to occur during the night or early morning.

The disease can affect people of any age. It may be associated with aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, or acute myelogenous leukemia.

Risk factors, except for prior aplastic anemia, are not known.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Back pain
• Blood clots, may form in some people
• Dark urine, comes and goes
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Headache
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness, fatigue
• Pallor
• Chest pain
• Difficulty swallowing

Exams and Tests

Red and white blood cell counts and platelet counts may be low.

Red or brown urine signals the breakdown of red blood cells and that hemoglobin is being released into the body's circulation and eventually into the urine.

Tests that may be done to diagnose this condition include:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Coombs test
• Flow cytometry to measure certain proteins
• Ham (acid hemolysin) test
• Serum hemoglobin and haptoglobin
• Sucrose hemolysis test
• Urinalysis
• Urine hemosiderin, urobilinogen, and hemoglobin
• Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) test
• Reticulocyte count

Treatment

Steroids or other medicines that suppress the immune system may help slow the breakdown of red blood cells. Blood transfusions may be needed. Supplemental iron and folic acid are provided. Blood thinners may also be needed to prevent clots from forming.

Soliris (eculizumab) and Ultomiris (ravulizumab) are medicines used to treat PNH. They block the breakdown of red blood cells.

Bone marrow transplantation can cure this disease. It may also stop the risk for developing PNH in people with aplastic anemia.

All people with PNH should receive vaccinations against certain types of bacteria to prevent infection. Ask your health care provider which ones are right for you.

Outlook (Prognosis)

The outcome varies. Most people survive for more than 10 years after their diagnosis. Death can result from complications such as blood clot formation (thrombosis) or bleeding.

In rare cases, the abnormal cells may decrease over time.

Possible Complications

Complications may include:

• Acute myelogenous leukemia
• Aplastic anemia
• Blood clots
• Death
• Hemolytic anemia
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Myelodysplasia

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if you find blood in your urine, if symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment, or if new symptoms develop.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent this disorder.

Related Information

Complement
Hemoglobin
Blood clots
Hemolytic anemia
Acute myeloid leukemia - adult
Iron deficiency anemia

References

Araten DJ, Brodsky RA. Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 32.

Michel M. Autoimmune and intravascular hemolytic anemias. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 146.

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Review Date: 3/31/2024  

Reviewed By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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