Description
The management of asplenic patients is controversial and many of the current recommendations are not well supported by appropriate scientific information. Nonetheless there is no doubt that these patients are at increased risk of infection with capsulated organisms and with intraerythrocytic infections such as malaria. It is therefore appropriate to undertake prophylactic measures to reduce the risk of infection. At present, the best advice is that these measures should include immunisation and prophylactic antibiotics. The role of antibody monitoring has not been formally evaluated, but will help in identifying declining protection and the need for re-immunisation. Education of patients, particularly those travelling abroad plays a paramount part in risk reduction.
