Cryohydrocytosis (CHC) is an exceedingly rare condition characterized by a mild stomatocytic hemolytic state with hyperbilirubinemia. A hallmark of this condition is that red blood cells (RBCs) lyse on storage at 4 degrees centigrade. RBC cation permeability is increased at 37 degrees centigrade, and the cells also accumulate sodium in the cold (summary by Coles et al., 1999). Patients present with fatigue, mild anemia, and pseudohyperkalemia due to a potassium leak from the RBCs (summary by Bogdanova et al., 2010).
For a discussion of clinical and genetic heterogeneity of the hereditary stomatocytoses, see 194380. [from
OMIM]