Pneumococcal vaccine administration associated with splenectomy: missed opportunities.
BACKGROUND
The spleen defends against infection from encapsulated organisms. Patients who have had splenectomies are at risk for the development of overwhelming pneumococcal infections. Guidelines recommend that pneumococcal vaccine be given to all patients who have splenectomies.


METHODS
This retrospective study was performed to evaluate compliance with the guidelines in patients from a large multispecialty group practice who had splenectomies between 1988 and 1991. Ninety-five patients were identified, and their clinic and hospital records were reviewed.


RESULTS
Overall, 73.7% of patients who had splenectomies received the pneumococcal vaccine. No significant differences were found in the vaccination rates over time or among the surgeons.


CONCLUSIONS
Improvement is needed in ensuring that patients who have splenectomies receive pneumococcal vaccine.
Kind
E A
EA
Health System Minnesota, MN 55416, USA.
Craft
C
C
Fowles
J B
JB
McCoy
C E
CE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006770:Hospitals, Group Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008910:Minnesota; D011008:Pneumococcal Infections / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013156:Splenectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D013296:Streptococcus pneumoniae / Q000276:immunology*
D001428:Bacterial Vaccines