Cardiopulmonary bypass surgery in a patient with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria.

Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare acquired haemolytic anaemia. Cardiac bypass surgery in patients with PNH may be complicated by aggravation of haemolysis in addition to increased risk of infection, renal failure, bleeding and thrombosis. We describe a case of uncomplicated cardiopulmonary bypass surgery for aortic valve replacement and aortoplasty in a patient with PNH and discuss some recommendations to reduce the risk of peri-operative complications.