Partial splenectomy in the management of thalassemia major: a preliminary report

ABSTRACT

Partial splenectomy [PS] was performed on 40 patients with thalassemia major. Mean age was 7.2 years. After PS. blood transfusion requirements and mean hemoglobin drop per week showed a significant reduction [p<0.005] in the majority of patients during a follow-up period of 6-16 months. Other signs of hypersplenism were also significantly corrected compared to pre-operative state [p<0.001]. The retained spleen [55 gm in average] could be visualized in 83.3% of the patients in whom scintigraphy was done. IgM level did not change in any of the patients, including those whose spleen was not visualized on scintigraphy. There has been no evidence of infection with or without prophylactic antibiotics. As there is high mortality related to infection following total splenectomy, PS as a temporary treatment of thalassemia major is highly recommended