Open AccessThe Role of Splenectomy in the Treatment of Thrombocytopenic Purpura Due to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Author(s) -
William P. Homan,
Peter Dineen
Publication year - 1978
Publication title -
annals of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.153
H-Index - 309
eISSN - 1528-1140
pISSN - 0003-4932
DOI - 10.1097/00000658-197801000-00010
Subject(s) - medicine , splenectomy , thrombocytopenic purpura , purpura (gastropod) , surgery , lupus erythematosus , thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura , dermatology , immunology , platelet , spleen , antibody , ecology , biology
Splenectomy in the treatment of thrombocytopenic purpura associated with lupus erythematosus has afforded satisfactory overall results in a group of ten patients. Postoperative deaths occurred in two patients, each of whom had significant underlying problems. Clinical manifestations of SLE-induced thrombocytopenic purpura included ecchymoses, petechiae, menorrhagia, epistaxis, and hematuria. Splenectomy in this disorder should be reserved for cases in whom corticosteroids do not produce satisfactory results, or in whom unacceptably high doses are required. Follow-up indicates long term control of thrombocytopenic purpura following splenectomy.