aplastic crises (hereditary spherocytosis)
Last reviewed 09/2022
Three types of aplastic crisis may punctuate the course of hereditary spherocytosis:
- haemolytic - the most common; often mild. Probably due to reticuloendothelial hyperplasia secondary to infection. Jaundice is exacerbated.
- aplastic - infrequent; severe. Arise from viral suppression of erythropoiesis, usually due to the human parvovirus. Both jaundice and the reticulocyte count is decreased.
- megaloblastic - infrequent. Precipitated by inadequate dietary folic acid, especially during pregnancy when requirements are increased.