Take the quiz
Breaking down the science of PNH
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare blood disease that occurs as a result of a genetic change (mutation) during the creation of red blood cells. This mutation leads to the production of abnormal red blood cells, also known as PNH red blood cells, that break more easily.
Breaking down the science of PNH
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare blood disease that occurs as a result of a genetic change (mutation) during the creation of red blood cells. This mutation leads to the production of abnormal red blood cells, also known as PNH red blood cells, that break more easily.
On this page
How are PNH red blood cells different?
Click the card to flip and compare Normal and PNH red blood cellsDrag the slider to compare a normal and a PNH red blood cell side by side
Tip: Rotate to landscape for a side-by-side comparison
Normal Red Blood Cells
Normal red blood cells have protective proteins that act as a natural shield against the body's complement system that supports the immune system in fighting infections.
PNH Red Blood Cells
PNH red blood cells lack protective proteins due to a mutation, which makes them easier targets for destruction by the complement system through a process called hemolysis.
What is hemolysis?
Hemolysis is the process of destroying red blood cells to help replace older blood cells with new ones. But in people living with PNH, hemolysis occurs much faster than new red blood cells can be made.
Types of hemolysis
Intravascular hemolysis (IVH)
This is when red blood cells are destroyed inside the circulatory system.
Extravascular hemolysis (EVH)
This is when red blood cells are destroyed outside the circulatory system, such as in the liver and spleen.
Controlling IVH, and EVH, if present, is key to addressing a sub-optimal treatment response
An effective treatment response helps you gain full hemolytic control, which means both intravascular and extravascular hemolysis are well controlled. This can help reduce signs of a sub-optimal treatment response, including the main indicators, low hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells), fatigue and dependence on blood transfusions.
How the complement system acts in PNH
The complement system consists of a group of proteins in the blood. They form a pathway that, when activated, helps support (complement) the immune system by fighting infections.
See how you can talk to your doctor if you suspect a sub-optimal treatment response
