Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Overwhelming post-splenectomy infection overview
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Overwhelming post-splenectomy infection is a rapidly fatal septicemia infection due to the absence of spleen protection against certain bacteria (asplenia). Patients with absent (eg splenectomy) or non-functional spleens can die of these uncommon infections in a few hours.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Epidemiology and Demographics
The risk of contracting an OPSI for such patients is 0.23-0.42% per year, with a lifetime risk of 5%, and an associated mortality of 38-69%.[1]
Treatment
Treatment
Primary Prevention
Prevention with vaccinations and antibiotics can largely prevent OPSI.[2][3]
References
References
- ↑ Davidson R, Wall R (2001). “Prevention and management of infections in patients without a spleen”. Clin Microbiol Infect. 7 (12): 657–60. PMID 11843905.
- ↑ “Guidelines for the prevention and treatment of infection in patients with an absent or dysfunctional spleen. Working Party of the British Committee for Standards in Haematology Clinical Haematology Task Force”. BMJ. 312 (7028): 430–4. 1996. PMID 8601117.
- ↑ J M Davies; et al. (2001-06-02). “The Prevention And Treatment Of Infection In Patients With An Absent Or Dysfunctional Spleen – British Committee for Standards in Haematology Guideline up-date”. BMJ.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]