What is it?

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is a rare life-threatening disease. This condition is acquired and characterized by the destruction of red blood cells, called hemolytic anemia, blood clots (thrombosis), and impaired bone marrow function. It is usually diagnosed in young adults and rarely diagnosed in children. People who have this condition suffer from sudden episodes that could be triggered by stress, infection or physical activity. People with PNH are prone to develop leukemia. This disease is caused by somatic mutations in hematopoietic stem cells.