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Lifespan’s A - Z Health Information Library |
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Hereditary ovalocytosisDefinitionHereditary ovalocytosis is rare condition passed down through families (inherited) in which blood cells are slightly oval-shaped instead of round. It is a form of hereditary elliptocytosis. Alternative NamesOvalocytosis - hereditary CausesOvalocytosis is mainly found in Southeast Asian populations. SymptomsNewborn infants with ovalocytosis may have anemia and jaundice. Adults usually do not show symptoms and are known as asymptomatic. Exams and TestsAn examination by your health care provider may occasionally show an enlarged spleen. This condition is diagnosed by looking at the shape of blood cells under a microscope. The following tests may also be done:
TreatmentIn severe cases, the disease may be treated by removal of the spleen (splenectomy). Possible ComplicationsThe condition may be associated with gallstones or kidney problems. ReferencesJeng MR. Hematologic problems in immigrants from Southeast Asia. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. Dec 2004;18(6):1405-22, x. Laosombat V, Dissaneevate S, Wongchanchailert M, Satayasevanaa B. Neonatal anemia associated with Southeast Asian ovalocytosis. Int J Hematol. 2005 Oct;82(3):201-5. Review Date: 11/10/2008
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and James R. Mason, MD, Oncologist, Director, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program and Stem Cell Processing Lab, Scripps Clinic, Torrey Pines, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. The information provided herein should not be used during any
medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical
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information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those
other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the
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