| Treatment:
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Blood transfusions may be needed for severe anemia. Removal of the spleen (splenectomy) may help to reduce the destruction of red blood cells; however, this should not necessarily be performed as it does not help in all cases. In newborns with dangerous levels of jaundice, an exchange transfusion is likely to be recommended.
If a splenectomy was done, the person should receive pneumococcal vaccine at recommended intervals. |
| Expectations (prognosis):
|
| The outcome varies. Some people have few or no symptoms, others have severe symptoms. Treatment is usually successful in reducing the severity of symptoms. |
| Complications:
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| Gallstones, composed of bilirubin produced in excess during hemolytic anemia, are a common problem. Severe pneumococcal disease following splenectomy is a possible complication. |
| Calling your health care provider:
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See your health care provider if jaundice occurs at any time; this is a symptom of many severe illnesses.
See your health care provider if you have a family history of this disorder and are planning a pregnancy.
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