Episode 35. The spleen and postsplenectomy syndrome with Dr Mohammed Al Souffi
The spleen performs a large number of important functions including processing and removal of opsonized pathogens, cellular maintenance, immunoglobulin production and the removal of effete worn out red blood cell. When removed either through trauma or for therapeutic indications the risk of overwhelming post splenectomy infection (OPSI) increases significantly; up to 58 times the general population in the setting of trauma and up to 1,100 times increased risk when for thalassaemia.
The risk of OPSI is particularly high in the first 2-5 years for capsulated bacteria such as Strep pneumonia, Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria meningitidis. To discuss the functions of the spleen and post splenectomy syndrome in more detail we are joined by expert and very affable general physician Dr Mohammed Al-Souffi, formally trained in Iraq and the United Kingdom before “walking free” to Victoria, where we are very fortunate to welcome him as a colleague and member of the Royal Australian College of Physicians. Mohammed joins us to talk about:
· Functions of the spleen
· OPSI
· Appropriate vaccination post splenectomy
· Management of thrombocytosis
· Spleen registry
I am most grateful to have Mohammed as part of this podcast series. I do hope you can join me in this conversation.
Useful references include:
Spleen.org.au
To be a guest on the show or provide some feedback, I’d love to hear from you: manager@gihealth.com.au
Dr Luke Crantock MBBS, FRACP, is a gastroenterologist in practice for over 25 years. He is the founder of The Centre for GI Health, based in Melbourne Australia and is passionate about educating General Practitioners and patients on disease prevention and how to manage and improve their digestive health.