Homozygous α-Spectrin (SPTA1) Variant Causing Persistent Hereditary Pyropoikilocytosis in a Newborn: A Case Report...

Hereditary pyropoikilocytosis is an inherited, rare form of severe hemolytic anemia that is associated with a disordered erythrocyte membrane. Such a disordered membrane is due to the quantitative and qualitative α-spectrin defects that associate with homozygous or doubly heterozygous mutations in the SPTA1 gene. Characterized by marked poikilocytosis, anisocytosis, and thermal sensitivity of erythrocytes, often leading to severe hemolytic anemia and neonatal jaundice. We report the case of a full-term newborn admitted in the first day of life to the neonatal intensive care unit with significant jaundice and anemia. Peripheral blood smear revealed severe anemia with pronounced anisopoikilocytosis and moderate elliptocytosis, suggestive of a hereditary RBC membrane disorder. The whole exome sequencing (WES) did identify a SPTA1 gene homozygous likely pathogenic missense variant, p. (Leu260Pro) confirming the diagnosis of hereditary pyropoikilocytosis. The patient received intensive phototherapy and a red blood cell transfusion during hospitalization. Over an 18-month follow-up period, the infant remained clinically stable with no further transfusion requirements. However, the features consistent with HPP tended to be persistent during the follow‑up, highlighting the chronic nature of the disorder in this case. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of considering rare hereditary causes of hemolytic anemia in neonates presenting with early-onset jaundice and anemia. It highlights the diagnostic value of genetic testing in confirming SPTA1-related disorders.