Question

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is primarily characterized by intravascular hemolysis. What other characteristic is associated with this condition?

1) Extravascular hemolysis
2) Thrombocytopenia
3) Leukocytosis
4) Hyperbilirubinemia

Answer 1

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is characterized by intravascular hemolysis and is also associated with hyperbilirubinemia due to the breakdown of hemoglobin into bilirubin.

Step-by-step explanation:

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is primarily characterized by intravascular hemolysis, which is the destruction of erythrocytes (red blood cells) and the release of their hemoglobin into the circulation. Another characteristic associated with PNH is hyperbilirubinemia. This occurs because when red blood cells are destroyed, the hemoglobin released is broken down into bilirubin. Excessive red blood cell destruction in conditions like PNH leads to an increased level of bilirubin in the blood, manifesting as jaundice.

PNH may also be associated with other conditions such as hemoglobinuria, where hemoglobin is found in the urine due to its increased levels in the bloodstream after intravascular hemolysis. It is important to note that while PNH mainly involves intravascular hemolysis, secondary effects such as hyperbilirubinemia are also clinically relevant.