Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria: report of case with odontogenic infection.

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is characterized by chronic hemolytic anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. The increased hemolysis and hemoglobinuria associated with sleep have been observed so frequently that these features have been incorporated into the syndrome's name. Infections, especially of the respiratory and urinary system, can cause hemolytic episodes. Patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria have increased susceptibility to infections. Some PNH patients are leukopenic, but many are not. It has been reported that leukocyte alkaline phosphatase of granulocytes in patients with PNH is low. As Hartmann and Kohlhouse point out, "The principles of treating infection in PNH seem no different than the therapy of infections in any group. "If major surgery is indicated, preparation should include saline-washed red cells, which would increase the patient's number of circulating normal red blood cells, if necessary. The prognosis is variable. A small percentage of patients with PNH develop leukemia. However, in at least half of all patients, the number of complement sensitive cells decreases, and many of these patients live a fairly normal life.