Update of guidelines for the prevention and treatment of infection in patients with an absent or dysfunctional spleen

Guidelines for the prevention and treatment of infection in patients with an absent or dysfunctional spleen were first published by the British Committee for Standards in Haematology in 1996. Key aspects of these guidelines related to anti-infective prophylaxis, immunisation schedules and treatment of proven or suspected infection. A recent review of the guidelines was undertaken, with a view to updating the recommendations where necessary. The guideline review process did not reveal any major change in patient groups considered at risk. Occupational exposure to certain pathogens may, however, be a new risk factor for some infections. The recommendations for anti-infective prophylaxis remain unchanged. New recommendations for vaccination include the use of meningococcal group C vaccine in previously non-immunised hyposplenic patients and a need to consider the use of seven-valent pneumococcal vaccine. Recommendations for treatment of suspected or proven infection have not been significantly amended, but a local protocol should take into account relevant resistance patterns. There is an identified urgent need for further research into the effectiveness of varying vaccination strategies in the hyposplenic patient, and audit of infective episodes in this patient group should continue long term. Key guidelines are summarised below, together with grades of recommendation.