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Serious infections in adults following splenectomy for trauma
Archives of Internal Medicine
|July 1, 1984
Insights
Adults undergoing splenectomy for trauma face a significant risk of postsplenectomy sepsis. Prophylactic penicillin and pneumococcal vaccination are recommended to prevent severe infections in these asplenic patients.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Postsplenectomy sepsis is a known risk in children.
- The risk of sepsis in adults following splenectomy is less understood.
- Splenectomy is often performed due to trauma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the risk of serious infections in adults after splenectomy for trauma.
- To evaluate the potential for fulminant sepsis in asplenic adults.
Main Methods:
- A review of case reports was conducted.
- Examined 47 adult cases of serious infections post-splenectomy for trauma.
Main Results:
- Fulminant sepsis is a potential risk for adults after splenectomy for trauma.
- Serious infections can occur in asplenic adults.
Conclusions:
- Adults who have undergone splenectomy for trauma are at risk of developing fulminant sepsis.
- Penicillin prophylaxis and pneumococcal vaccination are advised for all patients post-splenectomy for trauma.
Abstract:
Postsplenectomy sepsis in children is a well-recognized hazard. Few reports discuss the risk of sepsis in the asplenic adult. Case reports of 47 adults with serious infections following splenectomy for trauma were examined. We conclude that fulminant sepsis after splenectomy for trauma in adults is indeed a potential risk and that all such patients should receive penicillin prophylaxis and pneumococcal vaccine.