Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria

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Paroxysmal Cold Hemoglobinuria

Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (pronounced: puh-rok-siz-muhl kold hee-muh-gloh-buh-noo-ree-uh) is a rare type of autoimmune hemolytic anemia characterized by the sudden onset of hemoglobinuria (the presence of hemoglobin in the urine) following exposure to cold temperatures.

Etymology

The term "paroxysmal" is derived from the Greek word "paroxysmos", meaning a sudden attack or increase in symptoms. "Cold" refers to the triggering factor for this condition, which is exposure to cold temperatures. "Hemoglobinuria" is a combination of "hemoglobin", the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, and "uria", a suffix used in medicine to denote the presence of a substance in the urine.

Symptoms

Symptoms of paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria include fatigue, pallor, jaundice, and dark-colored urine. These symptoms are caused by the destruction of red blood cells (a process known as hemolysis) and the subsequent release of hemoglobin into the bloodstream, which is then excreted in the urine.

Causes

Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria is caused by the production of a specific type of antibody known as a Donath-Landsteiner antibody. These antibodies bind to red blood cells in cold temperatures and cause them to burst open, leading to hemolysis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria is typically made through a combination of clinical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests, including a complete blood count (CBC), liver function tests, and a Donath-Landsteiner test.

Treatment

Treatment for paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria primarily involves avoiding exposure to cold temperatures. In severe cases, treatment may also include blood transfusions, corticosteroids, or immunosuppressive therapy.

See Also

External links

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