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Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Synonyms and keywords: Donath-Landsteiner syndrome; PCH

Overview

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria is a rare disease that is associated with intravascular hemolysis and hemoglobinuria after exposure to cold. The Donath-Landsteiner antibody sticks to the red blood cells in the cold which causes a complement-mediated lysis upon rewarming.

References

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Historical Perspective

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Classification

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Pathophysiology

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Pathophysiology

In people with PCH, a polyclonal IgG autoantibody binds to red blood cell surface antigens in the cold. This can occur in a susceptible individual as blood passes through cold extremities in cold weather. When the blood returns to the warmer central circulation, the red blood cells are lysed with complement, causing intravascular hemolysis. Hemoglobinuria and anemia can then occur. The anemia may be mild or severe.

References

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Causes

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Kalsang Dolma, M.B.B.S.[2] Luke Rusowicz-Orazem, B.S.

Overview

PCH can be an after effect of an infection, when a microorganism triggers the formation of antibodies that cross-react with the P antigen on the red blood cell membrane. Viral infections that can cause PCH include measles, mumps, influenza, adenovirus,chickenpox, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus. Bacterial infections that can cause PCH include syphilis,Haemophilus influenzae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. PCH can also be a side effect of some vaccinations. Chronic idiopathic(of unknown cause) PCH also occurs, but it is rare.

Causes

Common Causes

Causes by Organ System

Cardiovascular No underlying causes
Chemical/Poisoning No underlying causes
Dental No underlying causes
Dermatologic No underlying causes
Drug Side Effect No underlying causes
Ear Nose Throat No underlying causes
Endocrine No underlying causes
Environmental No underlying causes
Gastroenterologic No underlying causes
Genetic No underlying causes
Hematologic Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Chronic lymphocytic lymphoma, Hemolysis, Myelodysplastic syndrome, Non-hodgkin lymphoma, Primary myelofibrosis , Pulmonary small cell carcinoma
Iatrogenic Measles vaccination, Vaccinations
Infectious Disease Adenovirus, Chickenpox, Coxsackie a9, Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-barr virus, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Influenza, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Measles, Mumps, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Parvovirus b19, Secondary syphilis, Tertiary syphilis, Treponema pallidum, Varicella-zoster virus , Visceral leishmaniasis
Musculoskeletal/Orthopedic No underlying causes
Neurologic No underlying causes
Nutritional/Metabolic No underlying causes
Obstetric/Gynecologic No underlying causes
Oncologic Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Chronic lymphocytic lymphoma, Myelodysplastic syndrome, Non-hodgkin lymphoma, Primary myelofibrosis , Pulmonary small cell carcinoma
Ophthalmologic No underlying causes
Overdose/Toxicity No underlying causes
Psychiatric No underlying causes
Pulmonary No underlying causes
Renal/Electrolyte No underlying causes
Rheumatology/Immunology/Allergy No underlying causes
Sexual Secondary syphilis, Tertiary syphilis
Trauma No underlying causes
Urologic No underlying causes
Miscellaneous Idiopathic

Causes in Alphabetical Order

References

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Differentiating Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria from other Diseases

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Differentiating Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria from other Diseases

In alphabetical order: [1] [2]

References

  1. Sailer, Christian, Wasner, Susanne. Differential Diagnosis Pocket. Hermosa Beach, CA: Borm Bruckmeir Publishing LLC, 2002:77 ISBN 1591032016
  2. Kahan, Scott, Smith, Ellen G. In A Page: Signs and Symptoms. Malden, Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishing, 2004:68 ISBN 140510368X

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Epidemiology and Demographics

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Risk Factors

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Screening

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Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Natural History

Acute PCH tends to be transient and self-limited, particularly in children. Chronic PCH associated with syphilis resolves after the syphilis is treated with appropriate antibiotics. Chronic idiopathic PCH is usually mild.

Complications

Prognosis

References

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Diagnosis

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms | Physical Examination |Laboratory Findings | Chest X Ray | CT | MRI | Echocardiography or Ultrasound | Other Imaging Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Treatment

Medical Therapy | Surgery | Primary Prevention | Secondary Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies

Case Studies

Case Studies

Case#1

Related Chapters


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