Abstract
Objective: Hereditary spherocytosis is the most common erythrocyte
membrane disorder characterized by splenomegaly, jaundice and anemia.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the demographics, clinical and
laboratory findings and treatment responses of patients with hereditary
spherocytosis. Material and Method: Data of patients under the age of 18
with a diagnosis of hereditary spherocytosis between 1989-2018 were
examined retrospectively. Diagnosis was based on clinical history,
physical examination, family history, presence of spherocytes in
peripheral smear and osmotic fragility test. Demographic, clinical and
laboratory features, family history, complications, and history of
splenectomy and cholecystectomy were evaluated. Results: One hundred and
one patients were included. The median (range) age at diagnosis was 38.0
(1-188) months. Mild, moderate and severe forms of hereditary
spherocytosis were present in 29 (28.7%), 15 (14.9%) and 57 (56.4%)
patients, respectively. Family history was investigated in 73 (72.3%)
and 56 (76.7%) had a family history of hereditary spherocytosis. Ninety
one patients had available physical examination results; of these 79
(86.8%) had splenomegaly, 53 (58.2%) pallor and 16 (17.6%) jaundice.
Forty-five (44.5%) patients needed regular transfusions and most
(78.9%) of these had severe spherocytosis. Although most patients did
not require transfusion post-splenectomy, two of 45 (4.4%) patients
continued to require transfusion. Transfusion dependence was
significantly (p<0,001) higher in patients with severe
spherocytosis. Conclusions: In hereditary spherocytosis splenomegaly,
pallor and jaundice are the most common physical findings. Splenectomy
is effective in reducing hemolysis and virtually abolishes further
requirement for transfusion. Key words: hereditary spherocytosis,
anemia, hemolytic anemia, children