What is autosplenectomy?

What is autosplenectomy?

An autosplenectomy (from ‘auto-‘ self, ‘-splen-‘ spleen, ‘-ectomy’ removal) is a negative outcome of disease and occurs when a disease damages the spleen to such an extent that it becomes shrunken and non-functional.

What condition is most associated with autosplenectomy?

Abstract. Introduction Autosplenectomy defines spontaneous splenic infarction leading to hyposplenism. It occurs mainly as a complication of sickle cell anemia, pneumococcal sepsis or systemic lupus erythematosus, but may also be associated with various other conditions.

What does hyposplenism mean?

hyposplenism (uncountable) A reduction in spleen function.

What are the symptoms of hyposplenism?

Signs and symptoms of hypersplenism

• You have an enlarged spleen.
• You feel abnormal fullness, even after eating a small amount.
• Your level of red blood cells (also called cytopenia) is reduced, as evidenced by a blood test.

At what age does autosplenectomy occur?

The demographics thus match those of sickle cell disease, usually occurring gradually in childhood with complete autosplenectomy achieved by the age of 8 4.

What is vaso occlusive crisis?

A vaso-occlusive crisis occurs when the microcirculation is obstructed by sickled RBCs, causing ischemic injury to the organ supplied and resultant pain.

Can splenic sequestration cause death?

During severe sequestration crisis, the blood-filled spleen may enlarge to the point of filling the entire abdomen. The child’s hemoglobin may drop rapidly (to as low as 1-3g/dl) resulting in hypovolemic shock (low level of blood in the circulation results in lack of blood to all organs) and death within hours.

How do you know if your spleen is not working?

A damaged or ruptured spleen Signs of a ruptured spleen are: pain behind your left ribs and tenderness when you touch this area. dizziness and a rapid heart rate (a sign of low blood pressure caused by blood loss)

What are the symptoms of Hypersplenism?

Symptoms include:

• Enlarged spleen.
• Low level of one or more types of blood cells.
• Feeling full too soon after eating.
• Stomach pain on the left side.

How do you know if you have spleen problems?

An enlarged spleen typically causes no signs or symptoms, but sometimes it causes: Pain or fullness in the left upper belly that can spread to the left shoulder. A feeling of fullness without eating or after eating a small amount because the spleen is pressing on your stomach.

What causes the spleen to shrink?

The key to remember is that your spleen grows steadily during childhood, slows its growth into adulthood, and then shrinks in older age. Disease or other circumstances can affect spleen size at any age.

What are triggers of vaso-occlusive crisis?

Triggers of vaso-occlusive crisis include the following: Hypoxemia: May be due to acute chest syndrome or respiratory complications. Dehydration: Acidosis results in a shift of the oxygen dissociation curve. Changes in body temperature (eg, an increase due to fever or a decrease due to environmental temperature change)