

Some research has looked at removing only part of the spleen to decrease the risk of infections. To help decrease this risk, your doctor will likely give you certain immunizations (including the Hib, pneumococcal, and meningococcal vaccines) before removing your spleen. The spleen plays an important role in the immune system, so removing it can lead to increased risk of certain infections. A splenectomy, or procedure to remove the spleen, can solve the symptoms of HS, but it can lead to other complications. Enlarged spleenĪn enlarged spleen is also common in HS. It’s recommended that people with gallstones have their gallbladder surgically removed. When they obstruct the duct systems of the gallbladder, they can cause severe abdominal pain, jaundice, nausea, and vomiting. Gallstones are hard, pebble-like deposits that form inside your gallbladder. Some research has shown that up to half of people with HS will develop gallstones by the time they are between 10 and 30 years old. Gallstones are common in hereditary spherocytosis. Overall, the most common findings in hereditary spherocytosis are anemia, jaundice, and an enlarged spleen. The onset of puberty may be delayed in some children who have HS.
#Anemia with misshapen red blood cells skin#
Jaundice causes the skin to turn yellowish or bronze. An excess of bilirubin can cause jaundice. If your red blood cells break down too quickly, it leads to too much bilirubin in your bloodstream. When a blood cell breaks down, the pigment bilirubin is released. Other common symptoms of anemia from hereditary spherocytosis can include: If spherocytosis causes anemia, you may appear paler than normal. Spherocytosis causes your red blood cells to break down faster than healthy cells do, which can lead to anemia.

People with mild HS may be unaware they have the disease. Most individuals with HS have moderate disease. Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the disease. Hereditary spherocytosis can range from mild to severe.
