Short answer · Medically reviewed summary · Last updated: 2026-04-07
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is primarily known by its official name, though it is historically and clinically referred to as Marchiafava-Micheli syndrome or Strübing-Marchiafava syndrome. While these historical terms appear in older medical literature, "Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria" is the internationally accepted standard used by clinicians, researchers, and global health organizations today. What are the historical and alternative names for Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria? The naming of Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria has evolved significantly since it was first described in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria synonyms
Other names for Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria: synonyms, acronyms and related terms used by doctors and patients.
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is primarily known by its official name, though it is historically and clinically referred to as Marchiafava-Micheli syndrome or Strübing-Marchiafava syndrome. While these historical terms appear in older medical literature, "Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria" is the internationally accepted standard used by clinicians, researchers, and global health organizations today.
What are the historical and alternative names for Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria?
The naming of Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria has evolved significantly since it was first described in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Historically, the condition was frequently called Marchiafava-Micheli syndrome, named after the Italian physicians Ettore Marchiafava and Ferdinando Micheli, who provided detailed clinical descriptions in the 1910s. In some European medical traditions, you may also encounter the term Strübing-Marchiafava syndrome, recognizing the earlier observations of Paul Strübing in 1882. Occasionally, older texts might refer to the condition as "paroxysmal hemoglobinuria with hemosiderinuria" or simply "PNH," which remains the most common abbreviation used in modern clinical practice.
Why does Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria have multiple names?
The existence of multiple names for Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is primarily due to the practice of "eponymization," where medical syndromes were named after the physicians who first identified or characterized them. As medical understanding shifted from descriptive names based on symptoms to mechanistic names based on pathophysiology, the field moved toward the current terminology. The name Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is descriptive: "paroxysmal" refers to episodic occurrences, "nocturnal" reflects the historical observation of dark urine in the morning, and "hemoglobinuria" describes the presence of hemoglobin in the urine caused by red blood cell destruction.
How is Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria classified in official databases?
To ensure consistency in medical records and research, global health organizations use specific classification codes for Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria:
- Orphanet: ORPHA609 (listed as Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria)
- OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man): #250820
- ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases): D59.5
- NIH GARD: Linked under the unique identifier for PNH within the Rare Diseases database
Which name is preferred by medical professionals today?
Modern hematologists and oncologists almost exclusively use the term Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Using the official name is essential for ensuring that medical records, insurance claims, and clinical trial documents are processed accurately. While the PNH community at DiseaseMaps.org, which currently includes 162 members, uses the standard terminology, understanding the historical names is helpful for patients conducting literature reviews or reviewing older medical records from previous decades.
Next steps
- Consult a hematologist specializing in bone marrow failure syndromes for an accurate diagnosis and modern management plan.
- Verify your medical records to ensure the diagnosis is coded correctly as Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (ICD-10: D59.5).
- Join the DiseaseMaps.org community to connect with other patients and share experiences regarding the management of this condition.
- Visit the Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation (AAMDSIF) website for patient-friendly resources and support.
Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.
References
- Orphanet: Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (ORPHA609).
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.
- Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM): #250820 - Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria.
- Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation (AAMDSIF): PNH Patient Resource Center.
