Introduction: Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is characterized by hemolytic anemia, bone marrow failure, thrombophilia. COVID-19, caused by a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with many variants including Omicron.
Methods: This study collected demographic and clinical data of 20 PNH patients with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection.
Results: They all were with high disease activity, and LDH level exceeded any documented since the diagnosis of PNH, and those reported in the literature for previously stable treatment with complement inhibitors. D-dimer level elevated in 10 patients. 2 patients developed mild pulmonary artery hypertension. Glomerular filtration rate declined in 5 patients. 1 patient developed acute renal failure and underwent hemodialysis. Anemia and hemolysis were improved in 5 patients treated with eculizumab.
Conclusions: Hemolytic exacerbation of PNH with COVID-19 is severe and eculizumab may be an effective treatment.
Keywords: COVID-19; Omicron; complement inhibitor therapy; hemolysis; paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.
© 2023 The Authors. Immunity, Inflammation and Disease published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.