Non traumatic Splenectomy

Question 1

What is ITP?

Answer 1

Low platelet count < 100 x 10 despite normal bone marrow and absence of other causes of thrombocytopaenia
IgG - direct against platelet membranes responsible for macrophages and cytotoxix T cells destruction of platelets.

Question 2

What is the most common haematological indications for splenectomy?

Answer 2

Immune thrombocytopaenia

Question 3

What are the clinical manifestations of ITP?

Answer 3

Bleeding gums, purpura, epistaxis

Less commonly GI bleeding and haematuria are noted

Question 4

When is it indicated to medically manage ITP?

Answer 4

30-50 + symptomatic

< 20-30

Question 5

What is the medical management of ITP?

Answer 5

Prednisone (1 mg/kg)

IV ImmunoglobulinG - for acute bleeding, pregnancy, prepration for operation