Splenic function in children with hemoglobin SC disease and sickle beta-thalassemia.

Splenic function in children with hemoglobin SC disease and sickle β-thalassemia was evaluated using direct interference contrast microscopy. Children with both disorders demonstrated significant degrees of hyposplenism as evidenced by increased numbers of erythrocytes containing surface "pits." Patients with these variants of sickle cell disease frequently exhibit splenic dysfunction and may be at increased risk to develop the life-threatening septicemias associated with hyposplenism.