The Sugar-Water Test for Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria

Abstract

THE diagnosis of paroxysmal nocturnal heinoglobinuria is relatively easy in patients who give the classic story of hemoglobinuria on arising, with subsequent clearing during the day. In many patients, however, the presenting symptoms are less dramatic, and the hemoglobinuria either is not recognized or is truly occult. In such patients there may be considerable delay in diagnosis. Thus, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria should probably be considered in any patient with a puzzling anemia, particularly if reticulocytosis, pancytopenia or a history of repeated transfusion reactions is present.¹ The diagnostic acid hemolysis and thrombin tests are not technically difficult but may present problems . . .