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Spherocytosis
Medical Questions » Spherocytosis
| Name: Spherocytosis |
| Also known as: Spherocytic Anemia |
| Uncommon form of anemia caused by abnormal red blood cells. |
Causes of Spherocytosis
Inherited condition that causes red blood cells to swell and become more rounded (spherical) than they should be. These large cells cannot fit through the smallest capillaries, block them, and damage organs such as the spleen. |
Symptoms of Spherocytosis
Severity can vary markedly from one patient to another. Most patients are ill from soon after birth with weakness, jaundice (yellow skin) from excess red cell destruction and an enlarged spleen. |
Tests for Spherocytosis
Diagnosed by the abnormal appearance of red blood cells seen through a microscope on a blood film. |
Treatment for Spherocytosis
Folic acid supplements and surgery to remove the spleen, which is responsible for the anemia by destroying too many red cells.
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Complications of Spherocytosis of its treatment
The incidence of gall stone formation is far higher than average. |
Likely Outcome of Spherocytosis
No cure, but reasonable control usually possible. |
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