Asplenia

Definition

Definition of Asplenia
Asplenia refers to the absence 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.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Asplenia
Consult with your doctor.

Causes

Causes of Asplenia

1. Absence of splenic function commonly happens from a surgical removal or autosplenectomy,
2. Polysplenia and asplenia can be erratic or familial.
3. It is believed that genetic factors may play an essential part in the pathogens of congenital asplenia due to the fact that it has been accepted in several members of the same family and it is part of numerous well-known syndromes
4. Nonetheless, no particular hereditary defect has been recognized.
5. Since asplenia and polysplenia have been classified under the same family researches suggest that these defects can identify a range of associated conditions.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Asplenia
Consult with your doctor.

Treatment

Treatment of Asplenia
To minimise the risks associated with splenectomy, antibiotic and vaccination protocols have been established, but are often poorly adhered to by doctors and patients due to the complications resulting from antibiotic prophylaxis such as development of an overpopulation of Clostridium difficile in the intestinal tract.

1. Antibiotic Prophylaxis: Because of the increased risk of infection, physicians administer oral antibiotics as a prophylaxis after a surgical splenectomy (or starting at birth, for congenital asplenia or functional asplenia). The duration suggested varies: one suggestion is that antibiotics be taken for two years or until the age of sixteen years old is reached, whichever is longer.
2. Vaccinations: It is suggested that splenectomized persons receive the following vaccinations, and ideally prior to planned splenectomy surgery:

 

• Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (not before 2 years of age). Children may first need one or more boosters of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine if they did not complete the full childhood series.
• Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine, especially if not received in childhood. For adults who have not been previously vaccinated, two doses given two months apart was advised in the new 2006 UK vaccination guidelines (in the UK may be given as a combined Hib/MenC vaccine).
• Meningococcal conjugate vaccine, especially if not received in adolescence. Previously vaccinated adults require a single booster and non-immunised adults advised, in UK since 2006, to have two doses given two months apart. Children too young for the conjugate vaccine should receive meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine in the interim.
• Influenza vaccine, every winter, to help prevent getting secondary bacterial infection.
• With a condition such as Asplenia, wearing some type of  Medical Alert Jewelry with the condition, treatment and medications would be vital!

Prognosis

Prognosis of Asplenia
If the disease is diagnosed early and treatment is immediately applied a long-term prognosis with separate congenital asplenia is excellent. Significantly, in individuals older than 5 years old, the devastating sepsis decreases although it does not end. Physician care is the main component that contributes to the long-term treatment of individuals affected with asplenia. It is possible that hypoplasia, polysplenia and congenital asplenia is under diagnosed so it is important that awareness is increases on this diseases because it will help in saving the lives of patients who are immuno-compromised.

Prevention

Prevention of Asplenia
Consult with your doctor.