Is paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria the same as aplastic anemia?

Marisa Wexler MS avatar

by Marisa Wexler MS |

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Is paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria the same as aplastic anemia?

Category: Overview

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and aplastic anemia are both bone marrow failure disorders that affect the stem cells that give rise to new blood cells. While PNH often co-occurs with aplastic anemia, the two conditions are distinct: PNH is caused by mutations in stem cells in the bone marrow, while aplastic anemia is driven by an autoimmune attack that damages bone marrow stem cells.

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About the Author

Marisa Wexler MS avatar
Marisa Wexler MS Marisa holds an MS in Cellular and Molecular Pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. She specializes in cancer biology, immunology, and genetics. Marisa began working with BioNews in 2018, and has written about science and health for SelfHacked and the Genetics Society of America. She also writes/composes musicals and coaches the University of Pittsburgh fencing club.

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