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Role of splenectomy in the management of hemophilic patients with human immunodeficiency virus‐associated immunopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
Author(s) -
Leissinger Cindy A.,
Andes W. Abe
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
american journal of hematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.456
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1096-8652
pISSN - 0361-8609
DOI - 10.1002/ajh.2830400309
Subject(s) - splenectomy , medicine , thrombocytopenic purpura , complication , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , surgery , immunopathology , platelet , immunology , spleen
Immunopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) can be a life‐threatening complication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in patients with hemophilia and can seriously compromise quality of life if not managed effectively. We report here complete response to splenectomy in four severe hemophiliacs with HIV‐associated ITP. All patients were symptomatic, had platelet counts less than 25,000/mm 3 , and had failed at least one non‐surgical therapy prior to splenectomy. All patients tolerated surgery well and obtained an immediate and durable complete response. In addition to our experience, a review of the literature shows that splenectomy is well tolerated and provides the most effective long‐term solution for hemophiliacs with HIV‐ITP. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.