A patient with nocturnal paroxysmal hemoglobinuria in everyday medical practice: from a primary care physician to a hematologist – a case report Case report

Abstract

Nocturnal paroxysmal hemoglobinuria is an acquired hemolytic anemia characterized by a triad of symptoms: intravascular hemolysis, pancytopenia, and a tendency to venous thrombosis. In patients with nocturnal paroxysmal hemoglobinuria, these symptoms occur in various combinations. The occurrence of several attacks of intravascular hemolysis results in episodes of thrombosis at unusual sites, and these patients may have varying degrees of bone marrow dysfunction. Diagnosis can be confirmed by blood granulocyte flow cytometry using FLAER tests. The treatment strategy of complement inhibition with eculizumab, although very expensive, is very effective.