Splenectomy in human immunodeficiency virus-related thrombocytopenia

Br J Surg. 1993 Mar;80(3):330-3. doi: 10.1002/bjs.1800800321.

Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of splenectomy in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related thrombocytopenia, 30 HIV-infected patients with thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 50 x 10(9)/l) who underwent splenectomy were followed prospectively for a mean period of 42 months. There were no perioperative deaths and morbidity was minimal. Twenty-one patients had a persistent complete response, six had a partial response and were asymptomatic after splenectomy, and only three showed no response. Three patients developed acquired immune deficiency syndrome during follow-up, an incidence that was no different from that expected. Splenectomy is a safe and effective treatment in HIV-infected patients with severe symptomatic thrombocytopenic purpura resistant to medical therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Platelet Count
  • Prospective Studies
  • Splenectomy*
  • Thrombocytopenia / complications
  • Thrombocytopenia / surgery*