Among the erythrocyte membrane defects, hereditary spherocytosis is the most common.
The erythrocyte membrane defect results from a deficiency of spectrin, the most important structural protein in red cell. Hereditary spherocytosis often presents with hemolytic anemia, jaundice, moderate splenomegaly.
Diagnosis is established by the presence of spherocytes in the peripheral blood, reticulocytosis, an increased osmotic fragility, and a negative Coombs test. In children, splenectomy is usually performed after age 6 years but can be done at a
younger
age if warranted by the severity of the anemia and the need for frequent transfusions.
In the period December 1987 to Agust 1993, 9 patients with hereditrary spherocytosis underwent splenectomy and the following results were obtained.
1. Nine patients were comprised of five males and four females.
2. Five patients(55.6%) had been admitted to our hospital during age 6-10 years.
3. Four of the nine patients had autosomal dominant inheritance with variable expression.
The other five patients had no known inheritance.
4. The diagnosis of the spherocytosis was based on the increased osmotic fragility and increased autohemolysis of the erythrocytes, as well as on the appearance of spherocytes in the peripheral blood smear.
5. In all cases splenectomy was performed. Two patients had concomitant gall stones and choledocholithiasis, respectively.
One patient with concomitant gall stones underwent simultaneous cholecystectomy and splenectomy. The other patients associated with choledocholithiasis underwent splenectomy, cholecystectomy, choledocholithotomy, and T-tube drainage.
6. Complete hematologic recovery was obtained by the splenectomy in all cases.
7. Postoperative complication was not occurred.
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