Table of Contents
- 1 What vaccines do you need with no spleen?
- 2 How do you prepare for a splenectomy?
- 3 Can splenectomy patients have shingles vaccine?
- 4 What happens to red blood cells after splenectomy?
- 5 Does not having a spleen shorten your life?
- 6 Why do patients with asplenia or a dysfunctional spleen require vaccinations?
What vaccines do you need with no spleen?
Both types of pneumococcal vaccine (Prevnar and Pneumovax) are recommended for you because you do not have a functioning spleen. If you haven’t received both vaccines, call your healthcare provider and schedule them now. The dose of Prevnar is given first, followed by 1 dose of Pneumovax at least 8 weeks later.
How do you prepare for a splenectomy?
Before your splenectomy procedure, your doctor may do the following:
- Physical exam.
- Blood and urine tests.
- Review of your current medications.
- ECG.
- Other tests to evaluate the cause of the spleen enlargement.
- Studies to determine rate of destruction of red blood cells and/or platelets.
What vaccine should be given after a splenectomy?
Pneumococcal, meningococcal, and Haemophilus influenzae (Hib) vaccinations are indicated for patients after splenectomy.
What are the risks of spleen removal?
Risks of a spleen removal
- blood loss during the surgery.
- allergic reactions or breathing difficulties from anesthesia.
- the formation of blood clots.
- infection.
- stroke or heart attack.
Can splenectomy patients have shingles vaccine?
Persons with chronic conditions, such as splenectomy, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, dermatologic conditions (e.g. psoriasis), cardiorespiratory disease or renal disease (e.g. glomerulonephritis or reduced renal function), should be vaccinated if they are not immunocompromised since they …
What happens to red blood cells 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.
When should a splenectomy be vaccinated?
If the surgery is elective, vaccination should be carried out at least 2 weeks before the intervention to achieve an optimal humoral response.
Which vaccines is contraindicated in splenectomy?
Live attenuated influenza vaccine is contraindicated in this patient population. Compared to the general population, patients with splenectomy require higher antibody concentration to have appropriate protection against S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae type b.
Does not having a spleen shorten your life?
You can live without a spleen. But because the spleen plays a crucial role in the body’s ability to fight off bacteria, living without the organ makes you more likely to develop infections, especially dangerous ones such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae.
Why do patients with asplenia or a dysfunctional spleen require vaccinations?
Because of the high risk of overwhelming infection, vaccination against pneumococcal infection is recommended for all individuals who have or are at high risk of developing splenic dysfunction (including coeliac disease) in the future.