What is the definition of Hereditary Ovalocytosis?

Hereditary ovalocytosis is a rare condition passed down through families (inherited). The blood cells are oval-shaped instead of round. It is a form of hereditary elliptocytosis.

What are the alternative names for Hereditary Ovalocytosis?

Ovalocytosis - hereditary

What are the causes for Hereditary Ovalocytosis?

Ovalocytosis is mainly found in Southeast Asian populations.

What are the symptoms for Hereditary Ovalocytosis?

Newborn infants with ovalocytosis may have anemia and jaundice. Adults most often do not show symptoms.

What are the current treatments for Hereditary Ovalocytosis?

In severe cases, the disease may be treated by removal of the spleen (splenectomy).

What are the possible complications for Hereditary Ovalocytosis?

The condition may be associated with gallstones or kidney problems.

REFERENCES

Gallagher PG. Hemolytic anemias: red blood cell membrane and metabolic defects. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 152.

Gallagher PG. Red blood cell membrane disorders. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 45.

Merguerian MD, Gallagher PG. Hereditary elliptocytosis, hereditary pyropoikilocytosis, and related disorders. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 486.