Which of the following is a clinical symptom of spherocytosis?

Jaundice is a classic clinical symptom of spherocytosis, which is a hereditary condition characterized by the presence of spherical red blood cells that are less flexible and more prone to rupture. This increased fragility leads to hemolysis, or the breakdown of red blood cells, resulting in the release of bilirubin into the bloodstream. When the liver cannot process this excess bilirubin quickly enough, it accumulates and manifests as jaundice, which is evident as a yellowing of the skin and eyes.

In the case of spherocytosis, the hemolysis can be chronic, leading to varying degrees of jaundice that may be more apparent during periods of increased hemolysis or during illness. This makes jaundice a key clinical feature of the disorder, directly tied to the underlying pathophysiology of the disease. Other symptoms related to anemia might also occur, but jaundice remains a standout sign of spherocytosis.