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Hereditary elliptocytosis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

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.

References:

Gallagher PG. Hereditary elliptocytosis: spectrin and protein 4.1R. Semin Hematol. 2004 Apr; 41(2): 142-64.

Kasper D, Braunwald E, Fauci A, et al. Harrison's Principals of Internal Medicine . 16th edition [online version]. New York, NY: McGraw Hill; 2005.

Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Shattil SS, et al. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice . 4th ed. Orlando, Fl: Churchill Livingstone; 2005.

• Review Date: 4/1/2007
• Reviewed By: Mark Levin, MD, Hematologist and Oncologist, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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