About PNH
PNH, a progressive and life-threatening disease, is a result of increased hemolysis,
or the destruction of red blood cells.2,3 Chronic hemolysis is the underlying
mechanism in PNH that leads to a variety of major health problems associated with
the disease, such as thrombosis (formation of blood clots), pulmonary hypertension
and damage or failure of organs such as the brain, liver, gastro-intestinal system
and kidneys.2-5 Patients also experience a variety of symptoms that can
interfere with quality of life, including abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing,
poor physical function, shortness of breath, erectile dysfunction and debilitating
fatigue.5,6
The frequency and severity of these symptoms varies widely among patients with PNH.2
The effects of hemolysis can be subtle. However, researchers are learning that all
PNH patients have some level of excessive hemolysis, and the long-term consequences
can be unpredictable, sudden and potentially deadly.7
Effects of Hemolysis
