Health Encyclopedia

Hereditary spherocytic anemia

Definition

Hereditary spherocytic anemia is a rare disorder of the surface layer (membrane) of red blood cells. It leads to red blood cells that are shaped like spheres, and premature breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia).

Alternative Names

Congenital spherocytic hemolytic anemia; Spherocytosis; Hemolytic anemia - spherocytic

Causes

This disorder is caused by a defective gene. The defect results in an abnormal red blood cell membrane. The affected cells have a smaller surface area for their volume than normal red blood cells, and can break open easily.

The anemia can vary from mild to severe. In severe cases the disorder may be found in early childhood. In mild cases it may go unnoticed until adulthood.

This disorder is most common in people of northern European descent, but it has been found in all races.

Symptoms

Infants may have yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) and pale coloring (pallor).

Other symptoms may include:

Exams and Tests

In most cases, the spleen is enlarged.

Laboratory tests can help diagnose this condition. Tests may include:

Blood smear to show abnormally shaped cells
Bilirubin level
Complete blood count to check for anemia
Coombs test
LDH level
Haptoglobin level
Osmotic fragility or specialized testing to evaluate for the red blood cell defect
Reticulocyte count

Treatment

Surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy) cures the anemia but does not correct the abnormal cell shape.

Families with a history of spherocytosis should have their children screened for this disorder.

Children should wait until age 5 to have splenectomy because of the infection risk. In mild cases discovered in adults, it may not be necessary to remove the spleen.

Children and adults should be given a pneumococcal vaccine before spleen removal surgery. They also should receive folic acid supplements. Additional vaccines may be needed based on the person's history.

Support Groups

More information and support for people with hereditary spherocytic anemia and their families can be found at:

Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center -- rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6639/hereditary-spherocytosis
National Organization for Rare Disorders -- rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/anemia-hereditary-spherocytic-hemolytic

Outlook (Prognosis)

The outcome is usually good with treatment. After the spleen is removed, the life span of the red blood cell returns to normal.

Possible Complications

Complications may include:

Gallstones
Much lower red blood cell production (aplastic crisis) caused by a viral infection, which can make anemia worse

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your health care provider if:

Your symptoms get worse.
Your symptoms do not improve with new treatment.
You develop new symptoms.

Prevention

This is an inherited disorder and may not be preventable. Being aware of your risk, such as a family history of the disorder, may help you get diagnosed and treated early.

References

Gallagher PG. Red blood cell membrane disorders. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 45.

Merguerian MD, Gallagher PG. Hereditary spherocytosis. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 485.

Review Date:1/25/2022
Reviewed By:Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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