P Galán Alvarez1, E Oliva Berini. 1. Servicio de Hematología, Hospital Verge del Toro, Mahón, Menorca, Spain. pgalan@smen.es
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Splenectomized patients are at higher risk of severe infection. PATIENTS AND METHOD: This retrospective study was performed to evaluate compliance with guidelines in patients who underwent a splenectomy between 1978 and 2000. Seventy-five patients were identified and their hospital records were reviewed. RESULTS: 62.7% of patients who had a splenectomy received a pneumococcal vaccine and were aware of the infectious risks related to an asplenic status. CONCLUSIONS: Rapidly lethal overwhelming sepsis in some asplenic patients demands greater prevention efforts by physicians.
BACKGROUND: Splenectomized patients are at higher risk of severe infection. PATIENTS AND METHOD: This retrospective study was performed to evaluate compliance with guidelines in patients who underwent a splenectomy between 1978 and 2000. Seventy-five patients were identified and their hospital records were reviewed. RESULTS: 62.7% of patients who had a splenectomy received a pneumococcal vaccine and were aware of the infectious risks related to an asplenic status. CONCLUSIONS: Rapidly lethal overwhelming sepsis in some asplenic patients demands greater prevention efforts by physicians.