Hereditary spherocytosis in the experience of two pediatric clinics from Targu Mures

Abstract

Introduction: Hereditary spherocytosis is a genetically determined familial hemolytic anemia. Clinically it is ranged from an asymptomatic condition to severe hemolytic anemia. The major complications are aplastic or megaloblastic crisis, hemolytic crisis, cholecystitis and cholelithiasis. Aim: To shortly summarize the most characteristic symptoms of hereditary spherocytosis from the prism of our centers in order to help primary care-physicians or pediatricians in this affection recognition. Method: In our retrospective study, we processed a period of 6 years between 2012-2017, we studied the clinical signs, laboratory and imagistical findings, evolution and complications. Results: In this period, 47 cases were admitted with hereditary spherocytosis diagnosis to our departments. The most frequent symptoms were jaundice, hepato- and splenomegaly. The observed complications were: hemolytic crisis, aplastic crisis, cholecystitis and cholelithiasis. Conclusion: The main diagnostic elements are anamnesis, clinical signs, laboratory findings and anamnestic data. Early diagnosis is extremely important in order to provide substitution therapy and correct imagistic and hematologic controls. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(45): 1798-1803.