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Paroxysmal Cold Hemoglobinuria (PCH)
Alternate Names : PCH
Definition PCH is a rare blood disorder caused by antibody formation that destroys the red blood cell after a person is exposed to the cold.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria is a condition where antibodies are formed against a specific blood group. These antibodies bind the red blood cells and a cell-lysing blood protein called complement only in the cold, and usually in the extremities (hands and feet).
When the blood cells are rewarmed in the body, they are lysed (broken down). Hemoglobin is released in the blood and passed in the urine as blood cells are broken down.
The disease has been associated with secondary syphilis, tertiary syphilis, and other infections (caused by viruses or bacteria). Sometimes the cause is unknown.
Recovery from the attacks occurs very quickly, and people with this disease do not experience symptoms between episodes. Usually, the attacks end as soon as the sensitized cells are gone from the circulation. The risk factors are viral infection and syphilis. The disorder is rare.
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• Definition
• Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Symptoms & Signs
• Prevention
• Diagnosis & Tests
• Treatment
• Prognosis
• Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Syphilis
• Syphilis - Secondary
• Syphilis - Tertiary
Tests & Exams
• Donath-Landsteiner Test
• Hemoglobin
• Serum Hemoglobin
Other Topics
• Abdominal Pain
• Antibody
• Back Pain - Low
• Fever
• Headache
• Leg Pain
• Malaise
• Urine - Bloody
Review Date : 8/18/2003
Reviewed By : Corey Cutler, M.D., M.P.H., F.R.C.P.C, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Instructor in Medicine, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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