Hypersplenism Health Dictionary

An organ that removes worn-out and defective red blood cells from the circulation and helps to fight infection by producing some of the antibodies, lymphocytes, and phagocytes that destroy invading microorganisms. The spleen is a fist-sized, spongy organ in the upper left abdomen behind the lower ribs.

The spleen enlarges in many diseases.

These include infections such as malaria and infectious mononucleosis; blood disorders such as leukaemia, thalassaemia, and sickle cell anaemia; and tumours such as lymphomas.

Enlargement of the spleen may be accompanied by hypersplenism.

The spleen may be ruptured by a severe blow to the abdomen.

This can cause potentially fatal haemorrhage, and an emergency splenectomy is needed.... spleen

Surgical removal of the spleen.

Splenectomy is performed after the spleen has been seriously injured or to treat hypersplenism or certain forms of anaemia.

The absence of the spleen does not normally cause problems; its function is largely taken over by other parts of the lymphatic system and by the liver.

People who have had a splenectomy are more susceptible to certain infections and are given pneumococcal vaccine and long-term antibiotics.... splenectomy

A reduction in the number of platelets in the blood, resulting in a tendency to bleed. Sometimes thrombocytopenic purpura (abnormal bleeding into the skin) develops. The cause may be a reduced rate of platelet production or fast rate of platelet destruction. Thrombocytopenia can be a feature of leukaemia, lymphoma, systemic lupus erythematosus, megaloblastic anaemia, or hypersplenism. It can also be caused by exposure to radiation or, more often, by an adverse reaction to a prescribed drug such as a thiazide diuretic. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is of unknown cause, but it may be an autoimmune disorder.

Thrombocytopenia is confirmed by a blood count. Any underlying disease is treated if possible. Children with ITP may not need treatment, but adults are usually given corticosteroid drugs. If thrombocytopenia persists, splenectomy may be performed. When the cause is known, treatment usually results in an increase in platelet numbers.... thrombocytopenia

a disorder in which enlargement and overactivity of the spleen occurs as a result of increased pressure within the splenic vein (see hypersplenism; splenomegaly). It arises primarily in children and occurs with *cirrhosis of the liver. [G. Banti (1852–1925), Italian pathologist]... banti’s syndrome

n. a decrease in the proportion of red blood cells relative to the plasma, brought about by an increase in the total volume of plasma. This may occur in a variety of conditions, including pregnancy and enlargement of the spleen (see hypersplenism). Compare haemoconcentration.... haemodilution

n. a simultaneous decrease in the numbers of red cells (*anaemia), white cells (*neutropenia), and platelets (*thrombocytopenia) in the blood. It occurs in a variety of disorders, including aplastic *anaemias, *hypersplenism, and tumours of the bone marrow. It may also occur after chemotherapy or total body irradiation.... pancytopenia

n. enlargement of the spleen. It most commonly occurs in *malaria, *schistosomiasis, and other disorders caused by parasites; in infections; in blood disorders, including some forms of anaemia and lack of platelets (*thrombocytopenia); in *leukaemia; and in *Hodgkin’s disease. See also hypersplenism.... splenomegaly