Factors associated with the effect of open splenectomy for immune thrombocytopenic purpura

To assess the effect and complications of open splenectomy (OS) for immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and determine preoperative factors associated with surgical effect.

This was a retrospective analysis of ITP patients who failed medical therapy and were treated with OS between 1997 and 2014 at the Jinshan Hospital, China. Follow-up was 60 months. Surgical effect was determined from platelet counts and bleeding episodes. Complications were assessed including bleeding episodes. Preoperative factors were identified by logistic regression analysis.

Fifty-six patients (48.2 ± 16.2 yr old; 39 females) were included. Disease course was 31.2 ± 48.2 months; 91.1% patients had preoperative platelet count <20 × 10⁹ /L. OS effect at 1 wk, 1 month, 1 yr, and 5 yrs was in 91.1%, 92.9%, 91.1%, and 89.3% patients, respectively. Pneumonia or lower extremity thrombosis occurred in 7.1% patients. Postoperative mild, moderate, and severe bleeding occurred in 33.9%, 50.0%, and 16.1% patients, respectively. No patients required blood transfusion. Mortality was zero. Larger spleen size associated with surgical effect at 1 wk, 1 month, and 1 yr, and lower preoperative minimum platelet count associated with effect at 5 yrs (P < 0.05).

Open splenectomy is an effective treatment with less complications for the management of ITP. Lower preoperative minimum platelet count associated with successful OS at 5 yrs.