Support Hereditary Spherocytosis

Hello, my name is Deborah. I am Amanda's Mother. Amanda is 9 years old. She was diagnosied with Hereditary Spherocytosis while I was pregnant. I am starting a group to promote awareness about Hereditary Spherocytosis.

Hereditary Spherocytic Hemolytic Anemia is a rare blood disorder characterized by defects within red blood cells (intracorpuscular) that result in a shortened survival time for these cells. Red blood cells (erythrocytes) normally circulate for a few months and when they die off are replaced by new erythrocytes. However, in Hereditary Spherocytic Hemolytic Anemia, the cells die prematurely. They also have low amounts of fats (lipid) in the cell membranes and an abnormally small amount of surface area. The red blood cells are sphere shaped (spherocytic) making it difficult for them to pass through the spleen, resulting in the early destruction of these cells (hemolysis). The sphere shape of the red blood cells is the hallmark of Hereditary Spherocytic Hemolytic Anemia, and this abnormality may be identified under a microscope. Hereditary Spherocytic Hemolytic Anemia is caused by an inherited metabolic defect. Continue...

This group is to promote awareness... your support to make this possible is greatly appreciated.

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