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Hereditary ovalocytosis

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Definition:

Hereditary ovalocytosis is rare condition pass down through families in which blood cells are slightly oval shaped instead of round. It is a form of hereditary elliptocytosis .

Alternative Names:

Ovalocytosis - hereditary

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Ovalocytosis is mainly found in Southeast Asian populations.

References:

Jeng MR. Hematologic problems in immigrants from Southeast Asia. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am . Dec 2004; 18(6): 1405-22, x.

Laosombat V, Dissaneevate S, Wongchanchailert M, Satayasevanaa B. Neonatal anemia associated with Southeast Asian ovalocytosis. Int J Hematol . 2005 Oct;82(3):201-5.

• Review Date: 2/6/2007
• Reviewed By: William Matsui, MD, Assistant Professor of Oncology, Division of Hematologic Malignancies, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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