Splenectomy prolongs in vivo survival of erythrocytes differently in spectrin/ankyrin- and band 3-deficient hereditary spherocytosis

We report three families with dominant unilateral renal adysplasia without vesico-ureteral reflux. No dysmorphia or anomalies were evident in the reproductive system. Ophthalmological examination excluded the presence of optic nerve coloboma or other ocular anomalies. No mutations were detected in the EMX(2) and in PAX(2) genes of affected members. Other homeobox genes could be responsible for this anomaly in these three families.