C2 - Hyposplenism/spleenectomy Flashcards
(5 cards)
1
Q
What is the main complication of hyposplenism/spleenectomy?
A
Increased vulnerability to encapsulated organisms infection
Particularly, haemophilus, pneumococcus and meningococcus.
2
Q
What is the key treatment for hyposplenism?
A
Daily prophylactis Abs = penicillin V
Vaccinations:
Pneumococcus (5yr boost)
Seasonal influenxa
H. influenza (one off)
Meningitis C (one off)
3
Q
What are the key causes of hyposplenism?
A
Functional: Sickle Cell and Thalessemia, lymphoma, coeliacs, IBd and CLL
Bone marrow transplant: graft v host disease
Congenital asplenia
4
Q
What are the key indications for a spleenectomy?
A
Trauma
Haemolytic anaemia
Hypersplenism
Idiopathic thombocyopenia purpura
5
Q
What does a post-spleenectomy blood smear look like?
A
Howell-Jolly bodies
Pappenheimer bodies
