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Suggest Treatment For Spherocytosis
I have a 13 year old girl who has been recently (December 2010) diagnosed with spherocytosis, multiple stones in the gallbladder as well as a large spleen ( 15x6.4cm) by ultrasound. Various doctors in Cyprus advised us that these two organs need to be surgically removed where as other doctors advised us that removal of the spleen would not be necessary.
We already went ahead with the removal of the gallbladder in February 2011, however we are now in a dilemma on how to proceed with the spleen.
10 days ago we checked the spleen (by ultrasound again) and the result showed that the spleen is now 18cm and increase of her liver to 16.2cm.
Doctors told us that the first measurement must have been wrong but we are wondering whether this is true as the difference between the measurements is too high.
We would much appreciate your opinion on this issue and advise if:
a. there is a cure for spherocytosis.
b. you know any methods or treatment in order to avoid the removal of the spleen.
c. whether it is possible for the spleen to grow so much in such a short period and
d. how dangerous this could be for my daughters health.
We already went ahead with the removal of the gallbladder in February 2011, however we are now in a dilemma on how to proceed with the spleen.
10 days ago we checked the spleen (by ultrasound again) and the result showed that the spleen is now 18cm and increase of her liver to 16.2cm.
Doctors told us that the first measurement must have been wrong but we are wondering whether this is true as the difference between the measurements is too high.
We would much appreciate your opinion on this issue and advise if:
a. there is a cure for spherocytosis.
b. you know any methods or treatment in order to avoid the removal of the spleen.
c. whether it is possible for the spleen to grow so much in such a short period and
d. how dangerous this could be for my daughters health.
Wed, 26 Nov 2014
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows.
1. Splenectomy is the specific cure for spherocytosis. Removal of spleen reduces hemolysis and there will be usually no more complications
2. No, there are no other methods at present.
3. Yes, it is possible, based on how much it is congested with RBC
4. She will require capsulated organisms vaccination. Otherwise, she can lead a routine life.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Thanks for asking.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows.
1. Splenectomy is the specific cure for spherocytosis. Removal of spleen reduces hemolysis and there will be usually no more complications
2. No, there are no other methods at present.
3. Yes, it is possible, based on how much it is congested with RBC
4. She will require capsulated organisms vaccination. Otherwise, she can lead a routine life.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
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