Abstract

OBJECTIVE

Beta-thalassemia is common type of anemia which autosomal recessive inherited and occurs absent or reduced associated β globin synthesis. Splenectomy, may be performed for the treatment of many hematologic disease. The aim of this study to discusse recorded data of patients who underwent splenectomy in patients with thalassemia major.

METHODS

The records of 782 patients with thalassemia major were reviewed retrospectively. Of these patients, 35 patients with splenectomy were included in the study. Recorded data of patients were evaluated for age at diagnosis, gender, age at splenectomy, operation indications, chelation therapy, the annual transfusion requirement and postoperative clinical response. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS version 13.0

RESULTS

22 patients (63%) were male and 13 (37%) female. Mean age at diagnosis was 8 ± 2 months and splenectomy was 8.5 years. The mainly indication for splenectomy was increased transfusion requirement (57.14%). The annual transfusion requirement reduced from 235 ± 30 ml/kg to 115±15 ml/kg postoperatively. Mean serum ferritin levels were 1745 ± 761 ng / mL before splenectomy, 1985 ± 570 ng / ml after splenectomy. None of the patients developed any complications such as sepsis or coagulation disorder.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that splenectomy is beneficial to improve in the quality of the lives of patients and significantly reducing blood consumption. Inadequate iron chelation therapy may be associated with splenectomy at earlier ages.