Influence of splenectomy on hemostasis in agnogenic myeloid metaplasia.

The effect of splenectomy on hemostatic tests was studied in 10 patients with agnogenic myeloid metaplasia. Prolonged partial thromboplastin time and abnormal prothrombin consumption were found before splenectomy and were normalized postoperatively in the majority of patients. Prolonged bleeding time and prothrombin time were normalized in some patients. While platelet counts and fibrinogen levels rose significantly following splenectomy, platelet aggregation remained impaired. Thrombocytosis and increased fibrinogen level after splenectomy in patients with agnogenic myeloid metaplasia can enhance a thromboembolic tendency.