ABSTRACT
It is well known that asplenic patients can suffer immediate and long-term infective sequelae, most of all from capsulated bacteria, whereas appropriate immunization can reduce the incidence of postsplenectomy sepsis. We discuss the case of a young adult developing an overwhelming post-splenectomy sepsis (OPSS) due to streptococcus pneumoniae seven years after the splenectomy for a traumatic injury. Neither immunoprophylaxis nor antibiotic therapy, whose value is underlined by literature data and international guidelines, was ever administered, either by the hospital physicians or by the general practitioner.
Subject(s)
IgA Vasculitis/physiopathology , Splenectomy , Adult , Humans , IgA Vasculitis/etiology , Italy , Male , Postoperative Complications/microbiology , Severity of Illness Index , Splenectomy/adverse effects , Streptococcus pneumoniae/immunology , Streptococcus pneumoniae/isolation & purificationABSTRACT
The installation of airbags in motor vehicles, in association with the use of seat belts, has reduced the incidence of head injuries, as well as significantly decreasing morbidity and mortality in motor vehicle accidents. Nevertheless, the literature on the subject increasingly refers to lesions related to airbag deployment. These are usually minor, but in certain circumstances, severe and fatal injuries can result. This is a case report of serious injury due to airbag deployment, involving a restrained driver who suffered occipital condylar injury when his airbag deployed in a frontal collision. The range of airbag associated injuries is reported and predisposing factors, such as the probable proximity to the airbag housing, is discussed.
