Pattern of 'paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria' red blood cells in aplastic anemia

Abstract

A survey of complement sensitive red blood cells was made in 129 cases of aplastic anemia and dyshemopoiesis using the acidified serum test. These abnormal red blood cells were found to be present in 15.5% of these cases. The follow up study revealed 4 patterns of the appearance of these abnormal red blood cells: sporadic appearance, continuous appearance for some intervals, the above two types intermingled, and persistent appearance of the abnormal red blood cells. In most instances, only a small amount of these abnormal red blood cells could be detected. However, in some cases, it was very difficult to differentiate them from authentic paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. The pathogenesis of the appearance of complement sensitive red blood cells in aplastic anemia is discussed.