OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the current practice to prevent infections in patients with an absent or dysfunctional spleen in a part of the Netherlands. To measure serum antibody levels against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b. DESIGN: Observational study of vaccination coverage by analysis of questionnaires and serum antibody levels. SETTING: Primary care practices in the Utrecht area of the Netherlands, catchment area 750,000 inhabitants, period 2006-2007. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and thirty adult patients with an absent or dysfunctional spleen. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Percentage of patients informed about infectious risks and aware of the timely use of antimicrobial prophylaxis. Vaccine coverage against S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae type b and Neisseria meningitidis. Levels of serum antibodies against S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae type b. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients (43%) have not received up-to-date information about the infectious risks associated with their condition; 65 patients (50%) are not aware of the need to contact a physician immediately in case of high fever; 37 patients (28%) are keeping antimicrobial prophylaxis at home. Pneumococcal vaccination has been administered within the last 5 years to 103 of 130 patients, antibody levels above the threshold of > or =0.35microg/mL are found in 83 of the 101 patients (data lacking in 2 patients). Complete coverage against S. pneumoniae is only 64% (83/130). A minority of patients (respectively 32% and 27%) has been vaccinated against H. influenzae type b and N. meningitidis. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination coverage and education about infectious risks in patients with an absent or dysfunctional spleen can be improved markedly in the Netherlands.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the current practice to prevent infections in patients with an absent or dysfunctional spleen in a part of the Netherlands. To measure serum antibody levels against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b. DESIGN: Observational study of vaccination coverage by analysis of questionnaires and serum antibody levels. SETTING: Primary care practices in the Utrecht area of the Netherlands, catchment area 750,000 inhabitants, period 2006-2007. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and thirty adult patients with an absent or dysfunctional spleen. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Percentage of patients informed about infectious risks and aware of the timely use of antimicrobial prophylaxis. Vaccine coverage against S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae type b and Neisseria meningitidis. Levels of serum antibodies against S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae type b. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients (43%) have not received up-to-date information about the infectious risks associated with their condition; 65 patients (50%) are not aware of the need to contact a physician immediately in case of high fever; 37 patients (28%) are keeping antimicrobial prophylaxis at home. Pneumococcal vaccination has been administered within the last 5 years to 103 of 130 patients, antibody levels above the threshold of > or =0.35microg/mL are found in 83 of the 101 patients (data lacking in 2 patients). Complete coverage against S. pneumoniae is only 64% (83/130). A minority of patients (respectively 32% and 27%) has been vaccinated against H. influenzae type b and N. meningitidis. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination coverage and education about infectious risks in patients with an absent or dysfunctional spleen can be improved markedly in the Netherlands.
Authors: A Meerveld-Eggink; O de Weerdt; R M de Voer; G A M Berbers; H van Velzen-Blad; B J Vlaminckx; D H Biesma; G T Rijkers Journal: Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis Date: 2010-12-24 Impact factor: 3.267
Authors: Minke A E Rab; Aafke Meerveld-Eggink; Heleen van Velzen-Blad; Douwe van Loon; Ger T Rijkers; Okke de Weerdt Journal: Int J Hematol Date: 2017-09-26 Impact factor: 2.490
Authors: Antonio Di Sabatino; Marco Vincenzo Lenti; Francesco Paolo Tinozzi; Marina Lanave; Ivana Aquino; Catherine Klersy; Piero Marone; Carlo Marena; Andrea Pietrabissa; Gino Roberto Corazza Journal: Intern Emerg Med Date: 2017-08-10 Impact factor: 3.397