Hereditary spherocytosis

Doctors may recommend that children with hereditary spherocytosis (HS) avoid activities that could result in blunt injuries to the abdomen. This is to reduce the risk of injury to the spleen, which is often enlarged in people with HS.^[1] This remains an area of controversy however, since there is limited data demonstrating that people with HS are in fact at an increased risk for injury.^[1] People with hereditary spherocytosis may experience fatigue, exercise intolerance, and weakness.^[2] These symptoms and your son's activities should be discussed with your son's healthcare provider.

We are not aware of specific diet recommendations for children with hereditary spherocytosis, however folic acid supplements may be recommended in some cases (for example in young children who have not undergone spleenectomy). The folic acid may help your child's body produce red blood cells.^[3] We recommend that you talk to your son's doctor about folic acid supplements and his diet.