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Definition:
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Hereditary 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.
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Alternative Names:
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Ovalocytosis - hereditary
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Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
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Ovalocytosis is mainly found in Southeast Asian populations.
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Symptoms:
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Newborn infants with ovalocytosis may have anemia and jaundice. Adults usually do not show symptoms and are known as asymptomatic.
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Signs and tests:
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An 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:
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Complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia or red blood cell destruction
- Blood smear to determine cell shape
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Bilirubin level (may be high)
- Lactate dehydrogenase level (may be high)
- Ultrasound of the abdomen (may show gallstones)
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Treatment:
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In severe cases, the disease may be treated by removal of the spleen (splenectomy).
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Complications:
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The condition may be associated with gallstones or kidney problems.
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References:
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Golan DE. Hemolytic anemias: red cell membrane and metabolic defects. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 165.
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