The Woronets trait: a new familial erythrocyte anomaly

A dominantly inherited abnormality of the red blood cells is described. It is characterized by the presence of a small population of markedly distorted red blood cells resembling keratocytes. In addition, many of the red cells show minor deformities resembling the beginning stages of formation of echinocytes. Red cell lifespan is normal, and the severely deformed cells appear to represent the senescent population. Inappropriate increases in activities of some, but not all, age-dependent red cell enzymes were observed. The anomaly appeared to be entirely benign; no abnormal clinical findings were associated with this defect. It has been designated the Woronets trait.