Application of 51Cr in examination of patients with hereditary microspherocytic hemolytic anemia

A total of 20 patients with hereditary microspherocytic hemolytic anemia were examined by the method of erythrocyte labelling with 51Cr. The survival rate of the erythrocytes appeared to be shortened in all the patients. The degree of this shortening corresponded to the severity of the clinico-hematological signs of hemolysis. The sequestrating capacity of the spleen elevated in all patients increased as the organ enlarged. The efficacy of splenectomy was checked in 11 patients by a repeated control examination with 51Cr. The given test can be successfully used for diagnosis of hemolytic conditions, evaluation of their clinical course severity, prognosis and assessment of splenectomy efficacy