Next generation sequencing reveals co-existence of hereditary spherocytosis and Dubin–Johnson syndrome in a Chinese gril: A case report

BACKGROUND: Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is a hereditary disease of hemolytic anemia that occurs due to the erythrocyte membrane defects. Dubin–Johnson syndrome (DJS), which commonly results in jaundice, is a benign hereditary disorder of bilirubin clearance that occurs only rarely. The co-occurrence of HS and DJS is extremely rare. We recently diagnosed and treated a case of co-occurring HS and DJS. CASE SUMMARY: A 21-year-old female patient presented to our department because of severe jaundice, severe splenomegaly, and mild anemia since birth. We eventually confirmed the diagnosis of co-occurring DJS and HS by next generation sequencing (NGS). The treatment of ursodeoxycholic acid in combination with phenobarbital successfully increased hemoglobin and reduced total bilirubin and direct bilirubin. CONCLUSION: The routine application of NGS can efficiently render a definite diagnosis when inherited disorders are suspected.