[Paroxysmal march hemoglobinuria--a 1-year duration in a young man].

The development of paroxysmal march hemoglobinuria in a young man is described. It first appeared when he was 31 years old and lasted for over one year. It was induced only by long walking (half an hour and more) on paved city streets and did not appear after any other physical exertion. Apart from the dark urine, the condition had a completely asymptomatic course and after one year it spontaneously disappeared. The practical implication of differentiating hemoglobinuria from other potential causes resulting in dark coloration of urine, such as hematuria, porphyrinuria and myoglobinuria, is being emphasized. The discussion presents a concise analysis of the problem of hemolysis developing as a result of mechanical damage to erythrocytes, particularly with regard to paroxysmal march hemoglobinuria. (Ref. 18.).