Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria in Indians

Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) was diagnosed in 11 patients attending the haematology clinic of a private community hospital in Hyderabad, India over a 3-year period. Compared to PNH occurring in Caucasians, the patients were younger, and showed a marked male preponderance; severe thrombocytopenia, haemorrhagic complications from thrombocytopenia and infectious complications were not seen. Thrombotic complications were common. Fever during periods of haemoglobinuria was a notable feature in 4 patients. None of the patients had the aplastic anaemia PNH syndrome.