Variations in Both α-Spectrin (SPTA1) and β-Spectrin (SPTB) in a Neonate with Prolonged Jaundice in a Family where Nine Individuals Had Hereditary Elliptocytosis

We cared for a neonate who had problematic hyperbilirubinemia born into a family where nine first-degree relatives had hereditary elliptocytosis (HE). As neonates, the nine relatives did not have any significant jaundice or anemia that was recognizable. Blood films on the proband suggested a diagnosis of pyropoikilocytosis. Analysis of the alpha-spectrin gene (SPTA1) in the proband revealed two previously reported low-frequency heterozygous polymorphisms of unknown clinical significance and the alpha(LELY) allele. In addition, a novel heterozygous mutation was identified in exon 2 of the beta-spectrin gene SPTB. No mutations were identified in ANK1 (ankyrin-1), SLC4A1 (band 3), EPB41 (band 4.1), or EPB42 (band 4.2). (C) 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel