Hereditary spherocytosis in a Negro family; report of three cases.

Abstract

There are only 14 case reports of hereditary spherocytosis among American Negroes. We have recently had the opportunity of studying three Negro children with this disorder from the same family. REPORT OF CASES Case1.—On March 5, 1955, a 14-year-old Negro youth was seen for the first time in the accident room of Mercy Hospital. The patient was seen lying on the examining cot in an attitude of flexion on his left side and appeared acutely ill. His respirations were rapid and shallow, and he was unable to give an account of his present illness. The patient's mother and father supplied the necessary information, and stated that nine days previously the patient, who had been in good health, suddenly developed chills and fever. The patient's family physician was called. He examined the patient, stated that he had a viral infection, and prescribed an unknown medication. The patient was seen two