Splenectomy for trauma in children: risks and alternatives.
The problem of postsplenectomy sepsis in children who have had splenectomy secondary to trauma is reviewed. Alternatives to splenectomy should be considered when appropriate. Pneumococcal vaccination and the use of prophylactic antibiotics are necessary if splenectomy is unavoidable.
D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D010400:Penicillin G / Q000627:therapeutic use; D022242:Pneumococcal Vaccines; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D012306:Risk; D013154:Spleen / Q000293:injuries*; D013156:Splenectomy; D013296:Streptococcus pneumoniae; D014611:Vaccination
D001428:Bacterial Vaccines; D022242:Pneumococcal Vaccines; D010400:Penicillin G