Hereditary spherocytosis presenting in pregnancy.

A family with hereditary spherocytosis is described in which 3 sisters had haemolytic episodes during six pregnancies. None was treated with splenectomy and each pregnancy has resulted in the birth of mature live infants. Other members of the family were asymptomatic. When not pregnant, the 3 sisters were also asymptomatic. The spectrum of clinical and haematological features in hereditary spherocytosis is discussed. In patients presenting with hereditary spherocytosis and haemolysis during pregnancy, the necessity for splenectomy is assessed.