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Hereditary elliptocytosis - Treatment

Alternative Names

Elliptocytosis - hereditary

Treatment:

There is no treatment needed for the disorder unless red blood cells rupture. Surgery to remove the spleen may decrease red blood cell rupture.

Expectations (prognosis):

Most persons with hereditary elliptocytosis have no problems, and are unaware of their condition.

Complications:

Elliptocytosis is frequently harmless. In mild cases, fewer than 15% of red blood cells are oval-shaped. However, some people may have crises in which the red blood cells rupture, releasing their hemoglobin. Persons with this disease can develop anemia, jaundice, and gallstones.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have jaundice that doesn't go away or symptoms of anemia or gallstones.

Red blood cells, elliptocytosis

Blood cells

Reviewed last on: 11/8/2008
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and James R. Mason, MD, Oncologist, Director, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program and Stem Cell Processing Lab, Scripps Clinic, Torrey Pines, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Golan DE. Hemolytic anemias: red cell membrane and metabolic defects. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 165.

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