Sferotsütoos

Sferotsütoos is a medical condition characterized by the presence of spherocytes in the blood. Spherocytes are red blood cells that have lost their characteristic biconcave disc shape and have become spherical. This change in shape makes them more rigid and prone to destruction in the spleen, leading to a shortened red blood cell lifespan.

The most common cause of sferotsütoos is hereditary spherocytosis, a group of genetic disorders affecting the red blood cell membrane proteins. These defects lead to instability of the cell membrane and subsequent formation of spherocytes. Acquired causes can include autoimmune hemolytic anemia, where antibodies attack red blood cells, and microangiopathic hemolytic anemias, where red blood cells are damaged as they pass through narrowed blood vessels.

Symptoms of sferotsütoos can vary in severity and may include anemia, jaundice due to increased bilirubin from red blood cell breakdown, and splenomegaly (enlarged spleen). In some cases, gallstones can also develop due to the chronic breakdown of red blood cells. Diagnosis is typically made through a complete blood count, peripheral blood smear examination to identify spherocytes, and specific laboratory tests to determine the underlying cause. Treatment depends on the cause and may involve blood transfusions, splenectomy (surgical removal of the spleen), or immunosuppressive therapy.