Increased eculizumab requirements during pregnancy in a patient with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria: case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria ( PNH ) results from reduced complement regulatory proteins on hematopoietic cells, predisposing patients to intravascular hemolysis, thrombophilia, and cytopenias. Women diagnosed in pregnancy can experience significant maternofetal complications. Trials of eculizumab in PNH excluded pregnant women. Here, we report the first Canadian patient taken through pregnancy on eculizumab.