Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH)

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Blood cells

PNH

Steroids may be effective in suppressing hemolysis (cell destruction). Blood transfusions may be required. Anticoagulation therapy may also be required to prevent clot formation.

Bone marrow transplantation can cure this disease.

The outcome is variable, with most people surviving approximately 10 years following diagnosis. In rare cases, the abnormal cells may decrease over time. Death can be caused by complications of blood clot formation (thrombosis) or by infection or bleeding due to a lack of normal blood cells.

• blood clots
• anemia 
• acute myelogenous leukemia
• iron deficiency anemia
• death

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

Review Date: 07/29/2005
Reviewed By: William Matsui, M.D., Assistant Professor of Oncology, Division of Hematologic Malignancies, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.