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Introduction
Elliptocytosis is a genetic disorder of the red cell skeleton and it is characterised by the presence of elliptically shaped red cells in the peripheral smear. These elliptocytes have a short life span resulting in haemolytic anaemia and jaundice. This condition is usually inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. (Dacie, 1985; Delaunay et al.,1991). The occurrence of hereditary elliptocytosis with haemolytic anaemia complicating pregnancy has been infrequently reported. Because of its rarity the maternal and foetal risks associated with this condition are poorly known.
Here we describe a patient, with an interesting family history, who started her pregnancy with haemolytic anaemia due to hereditary elliptocytosis.
Case history
This 21-year-old primigravid Asian woman was referred by the physicians to the antenatal clinic as a case of elliptocytosis with haemolytic anaemia and jaundice, when she was 8 weeks pregnant. She was married to her first cousin and came to live in England 2 years previously. She had suffered from jaundice and anaemia since childhood which had become more severe over the past 4 years. She was treated with folic acid tablets while she was in Pakistan. She has never had any blood transfusions in the past. She was the youngest of four siblings. Her father, two brothers and one sister all suffered from jaundice and all have had a splenectomy in Pakistan. Her mother is healthy. Her paternal grandfather, uncle and aunt...