[Splenectomy for traumatic rupture of the spleen in childhood and its sequaelae]

This study was undertaken in order to assess the clinical and immunological consequences of splenectomy for traumatic reasons in childhood. Immunological testing of 22 persons 1 to 20 years subsequent to removal of the spleen for traumatic rupture between the ages of 3 and 6 revealed diminished or absent agglutinins in 10 cases and diminished or absent opsonins to E. coli in 16 cases. All patients were in good health and no clinical evidence of increased susceptibility to severe infections was found postoperatively. It is, therefore, assumed that the diagnosed defects had been compensated for by other immunological mechanisms. In contrast to the opinions of other authors, it is concluded that splenectomy in childhood between the ages of 3 and 6 does not appear to carry greater risks than in later years.