Abstract
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a potentially life-threatening acquired clonal stem cell disorder resulting in hemolysis and thrombosis. A somatic mutation in the phosphatidylinositol glycan A gene in hematopoietic stem cells results in a deficiency of the complement regulatory proteins, CD55 and CD59. There is a consequent increased sensitivity to complement mediated lysis. Eculizumab is a recombinant, humanized monoclonal antibody directed against C5 of the complement system. It blocks terminal complement activation and the formation of the membrane attack complex. It has been demonstrated in 3 clinical studies that this blockade of the terminal complement system effectively and significantly prevents intravascular hemolysis thereby abolishing or reducing the need for transfusions, reduces thromboses, improves quality of life and appears to prevent renal damage and improve pulmonary pressures. The drug is very well tolerated with few safety concerns. Case reports of the use of eculizumab in pregnancy, cold agglutinin disease and atypical hemolytic syndrome are also described.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
