Treatment
Surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy) cures the anemia but doesn’t correct the abnormal cell shape.
Families with a history of spherocytosis should have their children screened for this disorder.
Children should wait until age 5 to have splenectomy because of the infection risk. In mild cases discovered in adults, it may not be necessary to remove the spleen.
Children are given a pneumonia vaccine (pneumococcal immunization) before spleen removal surgery, and also may receive folic acid supplements.
Prognosis (Expectations)
This outcome is usually good with treatment. After the spleen is removed, the life span of the red blood cell returns to normal.
Complications
- Gallstones
- Much lower red blood cell production (aplastic crisis) caused by a viral infection, which can make anemia worse
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call your health care provider for an appointment if your symptoms get worse, do not improve with treatment, or if you develop new symptoms.
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Congenital spherocytic anemia : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Congenital spherocytic anemia : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Congenital spherocytic anemia : Treatment
Review Date : 1/12/2009
Reviewed By : Todd Gersten, M.D., Hematology/Oncology, Palm Beach Cancer Institute, West Palm Beach, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2010 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
