title: Partial splenectomy in the treatment of thalassaemia major.
abstract: From 1981-1982 we performed partial splenectomy in 6 children with beta-thalassaemia major as an alternative to splenectomy to reduce transfusion and to preserve some splenic immune function. In two of our young patients with transfusion requirements of 150 ml/kg/year, where more than 2/3 of the spleen was removed, the number of transfusions was significantly reduced with prolonged intervals, haemoglobin rose with a marked improvement in the general condition, nutrition and growth. There were no major post-operative complications. 2 years' follow-up revealed no infection without sepsis prophylaxis.
mesh_terms: D001803:Blood Transfusion; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006454:Hemoglobins; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013156:Splenectomy / Q000379:methods*; D013789:Thalassemia / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D006454:Hemoglobins