Hereditary elliptocytosis Health Article

Definition

Hereditary elliptocytosis is a disorder passed down through families in which the red blood cells are oval-shaped.

See also: Hereditary spherocytosis

Alternative Names

Elliptocytosis - hereditary

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Elliptocytosis affects about 1 in every 2,500 people of northern European heritage. It is more common in people of African and Mediterranean descent. You are more likely to develop this condition if someone in your family has had it.

Symptoms

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Yellow skin (jaundice) - may persist for a long time in a newborn

Signs and tests

An examination by your health care provider may occasionally show an enlarged spleen.

The following tests may help diagnose the condition:

• Bilirubin may be high.
• Blood smear may show elliptical red blood cells.
• Complete blood count (CBC) may show anemia or red blood cell destruction.
• LDH "bad" cholesterol may be high.
• Ultrasound of the gallbladder may show gallstones.

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.

Prevention

Genetic counseling may be appropriate for persons with a family history of this disease who wish to become parents.

References

Golan DE. Hemolytic anemias: red cell membrane and metabolic defects. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 165.