Locations Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017   |   Locations
314-434-1500 314-434-1500   |   Contact Us

Multimedia Encyclopedia


 
E-mail Form
Email Results

 
 
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (PCH)

PCH

 

Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (PCH) is a rare blood disorder in which the body's immune system produces antibodies that destroy red blood cells. It occurs when the person is exposed to cold temperatures.

Causes

 

Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria only occurs in the cold, and affects mainly the hands and feet. Antibodies attach (bind) to red blood cells. This allows other proteins in the blood (called complement) to also latch on. The antibodies destroy the red blood cells as they move through the body. As the cells are destroyed, hemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen, is released into the blood and passed in the urine.

PCH has been linked to secondary syphilis, tertiary syphilis, and other viral or bacterial infections. Sometimes the cause is unknown.

The disorder is rare.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms may include:

  • Chills
  • Fever
  • Back pain
  • Leg pain
  • Abdominal pain
  • Headache
  • General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling ( malaise )
  • Blood in the urine (red urine)

 

Exams and Tests

 

Laboratory tests can help diagnose this condition.

  • Bilirubin levels are high in blood and urine.
  • Complete blood count (CBC) shows anemia.
  • Coombs test is negative.
  • Donath-Landsteiner test is positive.
  • Lactate dehydrogenase level is high.

 

Treatment

 

Treating the underlying condition can help. For example, if PCH is caused by syphilis, symptoms may get better when the syphilis is treated.

In some cases, medicines that suppress the immune system are used.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

People with this disease often get better quickly and do not have symptoms between episodes. In most cases, the attacks end as soon as the damaged cells stop moving through the body.

 

Possible Complications

 

Complications may include:

  • Continued attacks
  • Kidney failure
  • Severe anemia

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of this disorder. The provider can rule out other causes of the symptoms and decide whether you need treatment.

 

Prevention

 

People who have been diagnosed with this disease can prevent future attacks by staying out of the cold.

 

 

References

Jager U, Lechner K. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ Jr, Silberstein LE, Heslop HE, Weitz JI, Anastasi J, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap 44.

Michel M. Autoimmune and intravascular hemolytic anemias. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 160.

 
  • Blood cells - illustration

    Blood is comprised of red blood cells, platelets, and various white blood cells.

    Blood cells

    illustration

    • Blood cells - illustration

      Blood is comprised of red blood cells, platelets, and various white blood cells.

      Blood cells

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Talking to your MD

       

        Self Care

         

          Tests for Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (PCH)

           

           

          Review Date: 2/1/2016

          Reviewed By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

          The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

           
           
           

           

           

          A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.



          Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.