Fatal post-splenectomy sepsis in a Papua New Guinean highlander.
A fatal case of overwhelming post-splenectomy sepsis (OPSS) occurring 5 years after splenectomy for trauma in a Papua New Guinean highlander is presented. The diagnosis of pneumococcal infection was made from a peripheral blood smear. The finding of OPSS in Papua New Guinea is cited as additional evidence in favour of a policy of conservative management, where possible, of ruptured spleen.
Sapuri
M
M
Kainantu Hospital, Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea.
Hudson
C
C
Richens
J
J
D000328:Adult; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009512:New Guinea; D011008:Pneumococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000401:mortality; D013154:Spleen / Q000502:physiology; D013156:Splenectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013161:Splenic Rupture / Q000601:surgery*