Partial splenectomy in children with congenital hemolytic anemia in the Pediatric Hospital Eliseo Noel Caamaño of Matanzas

Abstract

Introduction: congenital hemolytic anemia are characterized by an early destruction of red blood cells, with a shortening of their average life. For the control of the disease or due to the development of splenic complications, these patients may require to undergo splenectomy. Due to the morbidity and possible lethal complications such as post-splenectomy sepsis of total splenectomy in children, partial splenectomy has been used as a surgical treatment option.
Objective: to evaluate the results of partial splenectomy in patients with congenital hemolytic anemia.
Materials and Methods: a longitudinal prospective, descriptive study was performed in 15 patients with congenital hemolytic anemia who underwent partial splenectomy.
Results: sickle cell disease and hereditary spherocytosis were the most frequent diagnoses in the group of operated cases. The main indications of partial splenectomy were splenic sequester crises and the necessity of blood transfusions respectively. The hematologic variables analyzed in the post-surgery period showed a favorable answer to surgical treatment.
Conclusions: partial splenectomy led to a hematologic and clinical improvement in patients with congenital hemolytic anemia, tributary of surgical treatment, without significant complications in a 5-year follow-up period.