Treatment:

Surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy) cures the anemia but doesn't 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 are given a pneumonia vaccine (pneumococcal immunization) before spleen removal surgery, and also may receive folic acid supplements.

Expectations (prognosis):

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

Complications:

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

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider for an appointment if your symptoms get worse, do not improve with treatment, or if you develop new symptoms.