Read more about this disease, some with Classification – Types – Signs and symptoms – Genetics – Pathophysiology – Diagnosis – Screening – Prevention – Treatment and management – Cures and much more, some including pictures and video when available.
Asplenia refers to the absence (‘a-‘) of normal spleen function and is associated with some serious infection risks. Hyposplenism is used to describe reduced (‘hypo-‘) splenic functioning, but not as severely affected as with asplenism.
In an effort to preserve some of the spleen’s protective roles,[2] attempts are now often made to preserve a small part of the spleen when performing either surgical subtotal (partial) splenectomy,[3] or partial splenic embolization.[4] This may be particularly important in poorer countries where protective measures for patients with asplenia are not available.[5] However it has been advised that preoperative vaccination is advisable until the remnant splenic tissue can reestablish its function.[6]
Asplenia increases the risk of septicaemia from polysaccharide encapsulated bacteria, and can result in a syndrome known as overwhelming post splenectomy infection (OPSI) which can kill within a few hours. In particular, patients are at risk from Pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, and meningococcus. The risk is elevated as much as 350-fold.[7]
The risk to asplenic patients has been expressed as equivalent to a child dying in a home accident, or equivalent to an adult dying in a road traffic accident (reference UK Splenectomy Trust Advice) – so sensible precautions are needed.[8]
To minimise the risks, antibiotic and vaccination protocols have been established,[9][10] but are often poorly adhered to by doctors and patients.[11]
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