Exome-Based Trio Analysis for Diagnosis of the Cause of Congenital Severe Hemolytic Anemia in a Child

We present the results of a clinical investigation where the proband was diagnosed with severe hemolytic anemia of unknown origin soon after birth. Transfusion was required every 4 –6 weeks. After whole exome sequencing of the proband and his parents as well as a healthy sibling, we established that the proband had a compound heterozygous state carrying two rare variants in the erythrocytic spectrin gene,SPTA1. The maternal allele was a stop mutation (rs755630903) and the paternal allele was a missense mutation (rs375506528). The healthy sibling had the paternal variant but not the maternal variant. These rare variants ofSPTA1 most likely account for the hemolytic anemia. A severely reduced osmotic resistance in the erythrocytes from the proband was demonstrated. Splenectomy considerably improved the hemolytic anemia and obviated the need for blood transfusion despite the severe clinical presentation.Transfus Med Hemother

Source: Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy - March 25, 2022 Category: Hematology Source Type: research