PNH
Medical abbreviation · Hematology and Oncology
| Stands for | Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
PNH stands for Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, a hematology and oncology abbreviation.
Rare acquired disorder in which blood stem cells lose surface proteins that protect red cells from complement, leading to hemolysis, dark urine (often in the morning), blood clots in unusual sites and bone marrow failure. It is diagnosed by flow cytometry showing loss of CD55 and CD59.
Example: Budd-Chiari syndrome with hemolysis in a 34-year-old: flow cytometry shows 70% PNH clone.
Usage notes
Thrombosis, especially in abdominal and cerebral veins, is the leading cause of death in untreated PNH. Complement inhibitors transformed outcomes, starting with eculizumab in 2007 and later ravulizumab, pegcetacoplan and, more recently, the oral factor B inhibitor iptacopan. Patients on complement blockers need meningococcal vaccination because of infection risk. It is closely linked to aplastic anemia.
Related abbreviations
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.