Hyposplenism/Splenectomy Flashcards
1
Q
What does hyposplenism refer to?
A
Decreased function of the spleen
2
Q
What are patients with hyposplenism at increased risk of?
A
Overwhelming post-splenectomy infection (OPSI)
3
Q
List three causes of hyposplenism.
A
- splenectomy
- sickle-cell disease
- coeliac disease
- SLE
- hypothyroidism
4
Q
What can be seen on a blood film in patients with hyposplenism?
A
- target cells
- Howell-Jolly bodies
- siderotic granules
- acanthocytes
- Pappenheimer bodies
5
Q
What is splenectomy?
A
Surgical removal of the spleen
6
Q
Name indications for splenectomy.
A
- trauma
- spontaneous rupture (EBV)
- hypersplenism (hereditary spherocytosis)
- malignancy (lymphoma, leukaemia)
7
Q
What are two complications of splenectomy?
A
- haemorrhage
- pancreatic fistula
- thrombocytosis
- encapsulated bacterial infection -> post-splenectomy sepsis
8
Q
Fill in the blank: Vaccinations after splenectomy include Hib, meningitis A & C, annual influenza, and _______.
A
pneumococcal every 5 years
9
Q
What is the purpose of management in patients with hyposplenism?
A
- prevent infections
- manage thrombotic risks
10
Q
What antibiotic is commonly used for prophylaxis in hyposplenism?
A
Penicillin V
