Splenectomy and subsequent mortality in veterans of the 1939-45 war - PubMed

Comparative Study

Splenectomy and subsequent mortality in veterans of the 1939-45 war

C D Robinette et al. Lancet. 1977.

Abstract

A long-term follow-up of 740 American servicemen splenectomised because of trauma during the 1939-45 war showed a significant excess mortality from pneumonia and ischaemic heart-disease. Mortality from cirrhosis was also increased, but not significantly. The findings confirm that the risk of fatal infections is increased by asplenia; however, the risk of cancer was not increased, as it is in some other immunodeficiency states. Post-splenectomy thrombocytosis and hypercoagulability may account for the increased risk of fatal myocardial ischaemia in this group.

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