More about PNH - what is PNH?

Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria, or PNH, is a blood disease that is caused when the cells responsible for making red blood cells (which help to carry oxygen around the body) mutate and produce defective blood cells.1 This triggers the immune system - a sophisticated defence network that keeps the body safe from dangers like disease and infection - to attack and destroy these defective red blood cells, a process called haemolysis.2

PNH is a rare blood disease that can affect anyone of any age, race or gender. No one is born with PNH; it is known as an 'acquired disease', which means it cannot be inherited and it is not contagious.³

Living with PNH

my-PNH.com includes information on PNH symptoms, symptom tracker & PNH support groups and useful tips and advice to help you navigate everyday life or support somebody with the condition. 

References:

1. Britannica. Hemolysis. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/science/hemolysis [Last accessed: August 2022]

2. Barcellini W and Fattizzo B. Clinical Applications of Hemolytic Markers in the Differential Diagnosis and Management of Hemolytic Anemia. Dis Markers 2015;635670.

3. Devos T, et al. Diagnosis and management of PNH: Review and recommendations from a Belgian expert panel. Eur J Haematol 2018;101:737–749.

4. AAMDS International Foundation. Caring for Yourself. Available at: https://www.aamds.org/treatments/self-care. [Last accessed: May 2022].