A case report: paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and systemic lupus erythematosus association

Istemi Serin; Aslıhan Bayir; Hasan Goze; Osman Yokus

doi:10.2217/ijh-2020-0013

A case report: paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and systemic lupus erythematosus association

Int J Hematol Oncol. 2020 Nov 13;10(1):IJH30. doi: 10.2217/ijh-2020-0013.

Authors

Istemi Serin¹, Aslıhan Bayir², Hasan Goze¹, Osman Yokus¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Hematology, University of Health Science, Istanbul Training & Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
² Department of Internal Medicine, University of Health Science, Bagcilar Training & Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.

Abstract

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is defined by acquired intravascular hemolytic anemia, thrombosis and bone marrow failure with pancytopenia. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) also appears as an autoimmune disease. The coexistence of both is rarely reported. Here we report the case of a 30-year-old female presenting with pancytopenia and diagnosed as SLE, who also had a PNH clone. Bone marrow biopsy did not support hypoplastic anemia. The patient was then followed up with the consideration of the existence of a PNH clone with SLE. She was treated by the rheumatology department and complete blood count improved under immunosuppressive treatment. The coexistence of CD59-CD55 deficiency with autoimmune diseases has been reported. It is an important example in terms of receiving clinical response with SLE-specific treatment.

Keywords: hemolytic anemia; immunosuppressive therapy; pancytopenia; paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria; systemic lupus erythematosus.

Publication types

Case Reports