[Review of infectious prophylaxis in splenectomized patients in the island of Menorca].
BACKGROUND
Splenectomized patients are at higher risk of severe infection.


METHODS
This retrospective study was performed to evaluate compliance with guidelines in patients who underwent a splenectomy between 1978 and 2000. Seventy-five patients were identified and their hospital records were reviewed.


RESULTS
62.7% of patients who had a splenectomy received a pneumococcal vaccine and were aware of the infectious risks related to an asplenic status.


CONCLUSIONS
Rapidly lethal overwhelming sepsis in some asplenic patients demands greater prevention efforts by physicians.
Galán Alvarez
P
P
Servicio de Hematología, Hospital Verge del Toro, Mahón, Menorca, Spain. pgalan@smen.es
Oliva Berini
E
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013030:Spain; D013156:Splenectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*
Revisión de la profilaxis infecciosa en pacientes esplenectomizados en la isla de Menorca.