Tests and Treatment for Paroxysmal Cold Haemoglobinuria (PCH)

Running head: BACTERIAL PATHOGENESIS
BACTERIAL PATHOGENESIS
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1BACTERIAL PATHOGENESIS
Tests for PCH:
PCH: Paroxysmal cold haemoglobinuria has been defined as a rare blood disorder
that leads to the formation of antibodies which destroy the red blood cells of the body
(Vagace et al. 2014). It manifests itself at cold temperatures and majorly affects the hands
and feet of an affected individual. The antibodies present in the body attach themselves to the
blood cells and cause destruction of the blood cells as they move ahead in the body. The
destroyed blood cells are collectively released through the urine outside the body.
With the help of certain laboratory diagnostic tests, the presence of the disease can be
detected(Vagace et al. 2014).
 Negative result of Coomb’s test
 Elevated level of Lactate dehydrogenase
 Elevated level of Bilirubin in urine and blood
 Positive result of Donath-landstiener antibody test
 Detection of anaemia on the basis of complete blood count test
The Donath-Landsteiner antibody test is used most commonly as the diagnostic
confirmatory test for PCH. Positive test result is characterized by the detection of Donath
Landsteiner antibodies within the blood sample whereas negative test result is characterized
by the absence of the antibodies (Vagace et al. 2014). This medical test is based upon the fact
that the blood of the patients comprises of complement dependent iso and haemolysin
antibodies. These complements unite with the red blood cells only at low temperatures
approximately around 2 to 10 degree centigrade. The process of haemolysis then occurs at
around 37 degree centigrade (Vagace et al. 2014). The direct antiglobulin test is negative for
the disease condition. This is because the human clonal antibody Eculizumab inhibits the C5
complement and tests negative for the condition of intravascular haemolysis.