PAROXYSMAL NOCTURNAL HEMOGLOBINURIA

PAROXYSMAL NOCTURNAL HEMOGLOBINURIA (PNH)

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare life-threatening disease of the blood in which the red blood cells destruction occurs earlier than normal; this destructive process is caused by the defect in the formation of surface proteins on the red blood cell which normally functions to inhibit such immune reactions. Another key features of the disease are the high incidence of thrombosis.

SYMPTOMS OF PNH:

The most common symptoms of PNH are back pain, abdominal pain, dark urine, easy bruising or bleeding, headache, blood clot and shortness of breath.

TREATMENT:

There are so many drugs like steroids that can help to slow the destruction of red blood cells by suppressing the immune system, a blood transfusion may be required and supplemental iron and folic acid should be provided, blood thinners is also needed to avoid blood clots.

Soliris is a drug that is used in the treatment of PNH.

Possible complications:

  • This is a life-threatening disease and most people survive up to 10 years after diagnosis and death happen because of complications, the complications are aplastic anemia, blood clots, death, Hemolytic anemia, Myelodysplastic, iron deficiency anemia and acute myelogenous leukemia.

PAROXYSMAL NOCTURNAL HEMOGLOBINURIA (PNH) MEDICATION

  • Medicine Name: Soliris
  • Generic Name: eculizumab
  • Approval Date: September 23, 2011,
  • Company Name: Alexion, Inc
  • Available as (Form & Strength): For injectable suspension: lyophilized powder containing 100 mg of paclitaxel formulated as albumin-bound particles in single-use vial for reconstitution.