Hypersplenism: causes, symptoms and treatment & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is hypersplenism?

Hypersplenism is a disorder that causes the spleen to become overactive, which destroys blood cells prematurely and rapidly.

The spleen is an organ located in the upper left abdomen. The function of the spleen is to remove abnormal, aging, or antibody-covered blood cells from the body's bloodstream.

In hypersplenism, the normal function of the spleen is abnormally accelerated so that the spleen begins to automatically destroy and remove healthy blood cells that are still functioning normally.

This condition is believed to be caused by various other disorders. This condition is divided into two. First, primary (idiopathic) hypersplenism that occurs because of abnormalities in the spleen. Second, is caused by other health conditions.

If the cause of this condition is another disease, such as chronic malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, or a tumor, this is known as secondary hypersplenism. Research shows that, in general, spleen disorders that occur in a person are almost always of the secondary type.

How common is this condition?

According to a 1998 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of cases of hypersplenism diagnosed in the United States is still small (about 10,000 cases) for both men and women. Recent studies have shown 2 - 5.6% of individuals have an enlarged spleen (slenomegaly) on physical examination, which is often associated with hypersplenism.

However, hypersplenism can be treated by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs and Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of hypersplenism?

There are a variety of signs and symptoms for this condition. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Enlarged spleen
• Low levels of one or more blood cells
• Feeling full too quickly after eating
• Abdominal pain on the left

When should I see a doctor?

Early diagnosis and treatment can stop this condition from worsening and prevent other medical emergencies. For that, talk to your doctor immediately to avoid this serious condition from occurring.

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes hypersplenism?

There are several things that are believed to be the main causes of hypersplenism, including:

• Cirrhosis (advanced liver disease)
• Lymphoma
• Malaria
• Tuberculosis
• Various connective tissue diseases and inflammation
  

Diagnosis & Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is hypersplenism diagnosed?

Diagnosis for this disease requires individual experience, as symptoms include easy bruising, susceptibility to bacterial disease, fever, weakness, heart palpitations, and ulcers of the mouth and feet. Many individuals experience an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) which can irritate the stomach, causing pain in the left side of the stomach, as well as feelings of fullness even though they have just eaten a little or have just started eating.

Other symptoms can come from the underlying diseases (such as malaria and tuberculosis) that caused the disease.

Given the many possible symptoms for this disease, it is necessary to have the patient's overall medical history to make a diagnosis. Hypersplenism is rarely diagnosed on the basis of symptoms alone. Usually, this disease will only be found clearly if a certain medical condition (disease) is known to be the cause and a doctor's findings regarding an enlarged spleen during a physical examination of the patient's body.

The most commonly associated symptom is satiety or lack of appetite. A doctor's examination and pressure on the abdominal area (palpitations) can show an abnormally enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) or a hard, shrunken liver (cirrhosis). Examination with a stethoscope can show abnormal vascular sounds. Fever, bruises and ulcers can also be confirmed with this examination.

Some tests your doctor may recommend, such as blood tests, including a complete peripheral blood count (DPL), to see the counts of various types of blood cells. These tests usually show a decrease in the number of white blood cells (leukopenia), red blood cells (anemia) and platelets (thrombocytopenia).

Other diagnostic tests (such as liver function tests, CT scans, MRI and ultrasound) are also used to confirm enlargement of the spleen (splenomegaly). A bone marrow examination can also help identify various causes of hypersplenism, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and the spread of cancer.

How to treat hypersplenism?

Most individuals with secondary hypersplenism require therapy to cure their primary disease (such as chronic malaria or tuberculosis). treating the underlying disease will help prevent damage to the blood cells and possibly an enlarged spleen.

Generally, treatment for the underlying disease should be taken before considering removal of the spleen (splenectomy). Surgical removal of the spleen (splenectomy) is often used to treat primary hypersplenism.

Indications for splenectomy usually must also be accompanied by a drastic reduction in platelets or immune cells, direct involvement of the spleen in diseases such as leukemia and lymphoma, and the spread of cancer from other organs to the spleen. After a splenectomy, individuals will need immunizations against certain bacteria, such as Streptococcuspneumonia(bacteria that cause pneumonia).

Prevention

What can I do to prevent and treat hypersplenism?

After proper treatment, work activities may need to be limited in order to reduce the potential for trauma that can cause tearing of the spleen. Individuals with this condition may require more frequent sick leave to be able to treat any disorders and complications that arise.

If surgery is needed, the patient may need longer rest periods for recovery. Consult your doctor if you have questions regarding this condition.