How Do You Spell PAROXYSMAL HEMOGLOBINURIA?

1. Paroxysmal hemoglobinuria is a medical condition characterized by the sudden breakdown of red blood cells (hemolysis) in the bloodstream, resulting in the presence of free hemoglobin in the urine (hemoglobinuria). It is a rare and potentially life-threatening disorder primarily caused by a genetic mutation affecting the complement system, which is a part of the body's immune system responsible for identifying and destroying foreign substances and damaged cells.

   The complement system normally helps protect against infections and remove old or damaged red blood cells. However, in paroxysmal hemoglobinuria, an acquired or inherited defect in the complement regulatory proteins leads to uncontrolled activation of the complement system. This excessive activation damages and destroys red blood cells as they circulate through the bloodstream, causing episodes of hemolysis.

   Symptoms of paroxysmal hemoglobinuria may include dark urine (due to the presence of hemoglobin), fatigue, abdominal pain, back pain, difficulty breathing, and anemia. The condition often occurs in paroxysms, meaning that episodes of hemolysis can come and go, with periods of remission in between.

   Diagnosis of paroxysmal hemoglobinuria may involve blood tests to measure levels of hemoglobin and assess the function of the complement system. Other diagnostic procedures, such as flow cytometry or genetic testing, may be conducted to confirm the presence of certain complement regulatory protein abnormalities.

   Treatment options for paroxysmal hemoglobinuria may include blood transfusions to correct anemia, immunosuppressive therapy to suppress the immune system's attack on red blood cells, and more targeted therapies such as eculizumab, which specifically blocks complement activation. In some cases, a bone marrow transplant may be considered to replace defective immune cells.

2. A form occurring usually in adult males at irregular intervals, often after exertion or exposure to cold.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PAROXYSMAL HEMOGLOBINURIA

The word "Paroxysmal Hemoglobinuria" has the following etymology:

1. Paroxysmal: The word "paroxysmal" has its roots in the Greek word "paroxysmos", derived from "para-" meaning "beside" or "beyond", and "oxy-" meaning "sharp" or "acute". The term refers to a sudden, intense outburst or attack of a symptom or disease.

2. Hemoglobinuria: The term "hemoglobinuria" is composed of two parts. "Hemoglobin" comes from the Greek words "haima" meaning "blood", and "globin" referring to a protein found in hemoglobin. "Uria" originated from the Greek "ouron", meaning "urine" and refers to any condition or presence of something in the urine.