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Asplenia/Hyposplenia, Pediatric

Joseph A. Picoraro, MD and Sarah S. Lusman, MD, PhD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Asplenia is the absence of the spleen due to either a congenital anomaly or a surgical procedure.

  • Hyposplenia is the reduced or absent function of the spleen, impairing the capacity t...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Any patient with a condition known to be associated with asplenia/hyposplenia (see “Differential Diagnosis”) deserves evaluation for splenic function.

  • In the apparently healthy child w...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Immunization with pneumococcal, meningococcal, and Haemophilus vaccines should be carried out in all patients with asplenia/hyposplenia.

  • In those patients who will be undergoi...

ONGOING CARE

PATIENT EDUCATION

  • Patients should be counseled regarding the risk of bacterial infection and considerations in setting of febrile illness.

  • MedicAlert bracelets/necklaces can be used to indi...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Use of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine among children aged 6–18 years with imm...

CODES

ICD9

  • 759.0 Anomalies of spleen

  • V45.79 Other acquired absence of organ

  • 289.59 Other diseases of spleen

ICD10

  • Q89.01 Asplenia (congenital)

  • Z90.81 Acquired absence of spleen

  • D73.89 Other diseases of splee...

FAQ

  • Q: What should I do if my child has a fever?

  • A: All patients with asplenia/hyposplenia should be evaluated for a serious bacterial infection and treated appropriately.

  • Q: Are there any special times...

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