Splenectomy in human immunodeficiency virus-related thrombocytopenia.
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of splenectomy in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related thrombocytopenia, 30 HIV-infected patients with thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 50 x 10(9)/l) who underwent splenectomy were followed prospectively for a mean period of 42 months. There were no perioperative deaths and morbidity was minimal. Twenty-one patients had a persistent complete response, six had a partial response and were asymptomatic after splenectomy, and only three showed no response. Three patients developed acquired immune deficiency syndrome during follow-up, an incidence that was no different from that expected. Splenectomy is a safe and effective treatment in HIV-infected patients with severe symptomatic thrombocytopenic purpura resistant to medical therapy.
Alonso
M
M
Department of Surgery 1, Hôpital Saint Louis, Paris, France.
Gossot
D
D
Bourstyn
E
E
Galera
M J
MJ
Oksenhendler
E
E
Celerier
M
M
Clot
P
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010976:Platelet Count; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013156:Splenectomy; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*