Role of splenectomy in immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an immune disorder, which causes an acute or chronic thrombocytopenia, and may result in potentially life-threatening hemorrhage. Splenectomy is one of the treatment options that needs to be weighed in the treatment of ITP particularly in cases that have shown response failure to medical modalities such as prednisone, IVIg, or anti-D globulin therapy. Although most studies demonstrate good early response following splenectomy, the long-term outcome is less favorable. Furthermore, other negative factors, such as rendering the patient ineligible for anti-D globulin or oral tolerance therapy and vulnerable to possible life-threatening sepsis, must be weighed prior to splenectomy. (C) 2002, Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.