Does WBC go up after splenectomy?
Background: The White Blood Cell (WBC) and Platelet (PLT) counts typically increase after a splenectomy. These changes make interpretation of postoperative lab values difficult and may unduly raise concerns for complications.
What should I monitor after splenectomy?
After splenectomy, notify your doctor at the first sign of an infection, such as: A fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher. Redness or tender spots anywhere on the body.
What happens to RBC after splenectomy?
However, after a splenectomy the lack of presence of the spleen means this function cannot be carried out so damaged erythrocytes will continue to circulate in the blood and can release substances into the blood.
Why does platelet count increase after splenectomy?
The early, highly significant thrombocytosis, following both splenectomy and general surgery, is caused by increased production of platelets due to the surgical trauma. This is caused by a direct action on bone marrow MK by transforming 2N-8N MK into higher ploidy classes.
Why does leukocytosis occur after splenectomy?
Thrombocytopenia is a physiologic response to sepsis due to increased platelet adhesiveness and consumption. The combination of splenectomy and sepsis may lead to a milder increase of the platelet count. The same combination leads to an augmented leukocytotic response.
Why do you get lymphocytosis after splenectomy?
Splenectomy caused lymphocytosis, due to a significant increase in B and CD8+ lymphocytes, as did splenic autotransplantation, which indicates that the number of lymphocyte subsets in the blood should not be used to argue in favour of or against splenic autotransplantation.
Are splenectomy patients immunocompromised?
7,8 Patients who have had a splenectomy or have functional asplenia are immunocompromised and are at increased risk for severe and overwhelming bacterial infections, particularly from encapsulated bacteria.
What is post-splenectomy?
The major long-term complication of splenectomy is OPSI, also known as post-splenectomy sepsis syndrome, which is defined as a generalized non-specific flu-like prodrome followed by rapid deterioration to full-blown fulminant septic shock within 24-48 hours of the onset [9].
What RBC inclusion may be observed in the blood smear of a patient after splenectomy?
3.6 Red Cell Inclusions. Several red cell inclusions have been described, including the following: Howell–Jolly bodies: These are usually single peripheral bodies within red cells representing DNA material. These bodies may be seen in post-splenectomy, megaloblastic anemia, severe hemolysis, and myelophthisic anemia.
Does platelet count return to normal after splenectomy?
Reactive thrombocytosis is a predictable finding after splenectomy, with the platelet count peaking at 1 to 3 weeks and returning to normal levels in weeks, months, and, rarely, years (3).
How does the spleen affect blood platelets?
The spleen clears out old platelets from the blood; it also acts as a reservoir for platelets. As a fetus is developing, the spleen makes red blood cells, but after the fifth month of gestation, it stops. The spleen also produces compounds called opsonins, such as properdin and tuftsin, that help the immune system.
What is post splenectomy?