Spherocyte Health Dictionary

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Spherocyte: From 1 Different Sources

n. an abnormal form of red blood cell (*erythrocyte) that is spherical rather than disc-shaped. In blood films spherocytes appear smaller and stain more densely than normal red cells. They are characteristically seen in some forms of haemolytic anaemia. Spherocytes tend to be removed from the blood as they pass through the spleen. See also spherocytosis.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Hereditary

An inherited disorder in which there are a large number of unusually small, round red blood cells (spherocytes) in the circulation.

These abnormal red cells are readily broken up when blood passes through the spleen.

At times, the rate of red cell destruction exceeds the rate at which new cells can be made in the bone marrow, leading to symptoms of anaemia.

Other symptoms include jaundice and enlargement of the spleen.

Occasionally, crises occur (usually triggered by infection) in which all symptoms worsen.

Gallstones are a frequent complication.

Splenectomy usually leads to permanent improvement.... hereditary

Spherocytosis

n. the presence in the blood of abnormally shaped red cells (*spherocytes). Spherocytosis may occur as a hereditary disorder (hereditary spherocytosis) or in certain haemolytic *anaemias.... spherocytosis

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