Spherocytes

Spherocytes are abnormal red blood cells that appear as small, round, and dark under a microscope. They are associated with certain medical conditions, such as hereditary spherocytosis, immune hemolytic anemia, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

Overview

Spherocytes are characterized by their small, spherical shape, which is different from the typical biconcave shape of healthy red blood cells. This abnormal shape is due to a defect in the cell's membrane, causing it to lose its flexibility and become rigid. As a result, spherocytes are unable to move through small blood vessels as easily as normal red blood cells, leading to their premature destruction in the spleen.

Causes

The most common cause of spherocytes is hereditary spherocytosis, a genetic disorder that affects the red blood cell membrane. This condition is usually inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, meaning that an affected person has a 50% chance of passing the disorder to each of their children.

Spherocytes can also be caused by immune hemolytic anemia, a condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own red blood cells. This can occur as a result of certain infections, medications, or autoimmune diseases.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of spherocytosis is typically made through a combination of clinical findings, family history, and laboratory tests. The most common test is the osmotic fragility test, which measures the ability of the red blood cells to withstand a decrease in osmotic pressure. Other tests may include a complete blood count (CBC), reticulocyte count, and direct antiglobulin test (DAT).

Treatment

The treatment for spherocytosis depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the symptoms. In cases of hereditary spherocytosis, treatment may include folic acid supplementation, blood transfusion, or splenectomy (removal of the spleen). For immune hemolytic anemia, treatment may involve medications to suppress the immune system, such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs.

See also

• Anemia
• Hemolysis
• Red blood cell

Spherocytes Resources
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