hereditary spherocytosis

Last reviewed 09/2022

Hereditary spherocytosis is a disorder of the red blood cell membrane, leading to haemolytic anaemia. It is inherited as an autosomal dominant condition often linked to chromosome 8. It affects about 1 in every 5000 individuals in the United States.

The disorder is characterised by spherocytosis and increased numbers of reticulocytes on the peripheral blood smear. There is usually a positive family history.