Can you live a normal life with spherocytosis?

They have a normal life expectancy. If the spleen is removed, the red blood cells will survive for much longer and fewer transfusions are then needed. However, there is an increased risk of life-threatening infections.

Is hereditary spherocytosis serious?

Hereditary spherocytosis is a condition characterized by hemolytic anemia (when red blood cells are destroyed earlier than normal). Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include pale skin, fatigue, anemia, jaundice, gallstones, and/or enlargement of the spleen.

How do you explain hereditary spherocytosis?

Hereditary spherocytosis is an inherited blood disorder. It happens because of a problem with the red blood cells (RBCs). Instead of being shaped like a disk, the cells are round like a sphere. These red blood cells (called spherocytes) are more fragile than disk-shaped RBCs.

Does spherocytosis make you tired?

You also may notice that your skin, tongue, and nails look pale. If your hemoglobin level falls very low, you may feel tired and lethargic all the time. Sometimes, those with hereditary spherocytosis show no symptoms, and the disorder is diagnosed because of a gallbladder disease called cholelithiasis.

What 4 main complications can occur in patients with hereditary spherocytosis?

People with this condition typically experience a shortage of red blood cells (anemia ), yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice), and an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly). Most newborns with hereditary spherocytosis have severe anemia, although it improves after the first year of life.

Does spherocytosis affect child?

The symptoms of spherocytosis are minor in some children. But for many children the condition is more serious. Your child may get these common symptoms of anemia: Pale skin, lips or nail beds compared to their normal color.

What triggers hereditary spherocytosis?

Cause. Hereditary spherocytosis is caused by a genetic defect. If you have a family history of this disorder, your chances of developing it are higher than someone who does not. People of any race can have hereditary spherocytosis, but it’s most common in people of Northern European descent.

Can you donate blood with spherocytosis?

1. Must not donate if: Clinically significant haemolysis.

Is Spherocytosis a rare disease?

Frequency. Hereditary spherocytosis occurs in 1 in 2,000 individuals of Northern European ancestry. This condition is the most common cause of inherited anemia in that population. The prevalence of hereditary spherocytosis in people of other ethnic backgrounds is unknown, but it is much less common.

Is hereditary spherocytosis an autoimmune disease?

Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is a genetic disorder of the red blood cell membrane clinically characterized by anemia, jaundice and splenomegaly. Evans’ syndrome is a clinical syndrome characterized by autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) accompanied by immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).