The Genetic Basis of Hereditary Elliptocytosis With Hemolysis

Two pedigrees containing cases of hemolytic elliptocytosis provide insight into the genetic basis of hemolytic elliptocytosis. One demonstrates non-interaction of genes for G6PD elliptocytosis. In the second, a woman with benign elliptocytosis, had children with hemolytic elliptocytosis by two unrelated fathers. Variable expression of a dominant gene is supported as the most likely explanation for the variability of spectrum of clinical severity in the hereditary elliptocytic syndromes.