Definition:
Overwhelming post-splenectomy infection or OPSI is known as the rapidly fatal septicaemia infection that is brought about by the absence of the protection of the spleen against certain types of bacteria. Most patients who either have a non-functional or absent spleens can die in a few hours if exposed by uncommon infections. However, this medical condition can be prevented with the use of antibiotics and vaccinations.
Diagnosis:
This condition can be diagnosed through blood cultures, Wright smear, gram stain and ceberospinal analysis.
Treatment:
Prevention of OPSI is considered of paramount importance. This includes education and immunization of the patient against H influenzae and pneumoniae, N meningitidis. Antibiotic prophylactic therapy are usually recommended among children who also have hyposplenism.
Symptoms and Signs:
Patients with OPSI suffer clinical symptoms that include sudden onset of fever, headache malaise, abdominal pain and vomiting. When left without immediate medical care, the patient deteriorates rapidly into what is known as the septic shock that is typically accompanied with some intravascular coagulopathy. Macules, petechiae, papules and gangrene may also be among the skin manifestations.
Causes:
The pneumococcus is identified as the common the invading organism that causes the infection of the spleen. The meningococcus or influenza bacillus may also be the culprits.
:
overwhelmingpostsplenectomyinfection
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