A patient with a diagnosis of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is at increased risk for developing which of the following complications?

A Venous thromboembolism ✓
B Arterial thrombosis
C Hemolytic anemia
D Bone marrow failure

Explanation

PNH is characterized by the acquisition of a somatic mutation in the PIGA gene, leading to a deficiency of CD55 and CD59 on hematopoietic cells. This deficiency increases the risk of venous thromboembolism.

Mnemonic

PNH = 'night' hemoglobinuria, 'night' sounds like 'nocturnal', so it happens at night

Source

Wintrobe's Clinical Hematology
Hematology Hematology: Coagulation Disorders Hematology: Coagulation Disorders Hard MEDICAL Confidence: high