Valley is aware of the nationwide supply disruption of IV fluid solution due to Hurricane Helene, and wants to reassure the community that steps have been taken to ensure the situation will have no negative impact on our patients and the community.
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a benign (noncancerous) blood disorder that causes you to have dark urine at night. PNH occurs when your immune system attacks your red blood cells. This then causes hemoglobin (protein that carries oxygen in your blood) to leak into your urine.
PNH can also lead to blood clots, anemia, kidney disease, and leukemia without treatment. Hematologists and advanced practice providers at Valley’s Center for Benign Blood Disorders specialize in detecting and treating this rare blood disorder.
Signs of PNH include:
If you have dark urine or other PNH symptoms, reach out to your doctor. Our hematologists can diagnose PNH and recommend the right treatment to protect your health.
Symptoms of PNH can be similar to symptoms of other blood disorders. But getting an accurate diagnosis will help you get the right treatment.
At the Center for Blood Disorders, we’ll take your medical history and examine you on your first visit. Your hematologist may also recommend tests, such as:
Today, there are more options than ever to treat PNH and prevent problems like blood clots, kidney disease and leukemia. Treatment can also help manage anemia, which is common with PNH.
Your hematologist will suggest treatments based on the severity of your disease, overall health and personal goals.
PNH treatments at Valley include:
Monoclonal antibodies have been developed to treat PNH. These medicines target specific proteins in your blood and prevent your immune system from attacking red blood cells.
We may also suggest steroids to calm your overactive immune system, as well as blood thinners to prevent blood clots.
If you have anemia from your PNH, we may recommend a blood transfusion through our ambulatory infusion center. This can help replace red blood cells damaged by PNH.