Successful anticoagulant therapy for two pregnant PNH patients, and prospects for the eculizumab era

Int J Hematol. 2013 Apr;97(4):491-7. doi: 10.1007/s12185-013-1302-3. Epub 2013 Mar 2.

Abstract

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is an acquired stem cell disorder characterized by intravascular hemolysis and thrombosis. The most serious complication is thrombosis, the risk of which is augmented by the hyper-coagulable state that occurs during pregnancy; despite this risk, however, young female PNH patients often desire to have a baby. We recently experienced two successful deliveries in PNH patients, who were treated with anticoagulant therapy during their pregnancies. Meanwhile, given the potential benefit of eculizumab (Soliris), a humanized monoclonal antibody against C5, in reducing thrombosis and hemolysis, it represents a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of pregnant PNH patients in combination with, or in replacement of, anticoagulant therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Hemoglobinuria, Paroxysmal / diagnosis
  • Hemoglobinuria, Paroxysmal / drug therapy*
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / analogs & derivatives
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Anticoagulants
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight
  • eculizumab