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Hereditary Spherocytosis Treatment
Treatment for spherocytosis may include blood transfusions, iron supplements, vitamin B supplements, and surgery to remove the spleen. Removing the spleen usually prevents the complications of the illness. Spleen removal should be delayed as long as possible, in order to reduce the risk for infection.
Treatment for spherocytosis may include:
- Blood transfusions:
- To treat severe anemia
- Iron supplements
- Vitamin B supplements:
- Splenectomy:
- Surgical removal of the spleen
- Usually delayed until age 5, in order to avoid the risk for infection
- Gallbladder may also be removed at the same time in those with gallstones.
- Pneumococcal vaccine for those who have splenectomy:
- Protects against pneumonia from the streptococcal bacteria
Hereditary Spherocytosis Specialist
Physicians from the following specialties evaluate and treat spherocytosis:
Continue to Hereditary Spherocytosis Home Care
Last Updated: Jun 14, 2011 References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD
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PubMed Hereditary Spherocytosis References
- Dhaliwal G, Cornett PA, Tierney LM Jr. Hemolytic anemia. Am Fam Physician. 2004 Jun 1;69(11):2599-606. [15202694]
- Perkins SL. Pediatric red cell disorders and pure red cell aplasia. Am J Clin Pathol. 2004 Dec;122 Suppl:S70-86. [15690644]
- Stoehr GA, Luecken J, Zielen S, Eber SW, Borrow R, Rose MA. Mode of splenectomy and immunogenicity of meningococcal vaccination in patients with hereditary spherocytosis. Br J Surg. 2008 Apr;95(4):466-71. [18161897]