TITLE:
Overwhelming Postsplenectomy Infection for Splenectomized HCV Patients
AUTHORS:
Naoki Hashimoto
KEYWORDS:
Chronic Hepatitis C, Interferon, Splenectomy, OPSI
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.2 No.7,
July
24,
2015
ABSTRACT: Pegylated-interferon (IFN) plus ribavirin remains the most effective
therapeutic regimen for patients with chronic hepatitis C interferon.
Thrombocytopenia is a common side effect of this treatment, often leading to
discontinuation of a potentially curative therapy. Splenectomy was a clinically
effective treatment for hepatitis C virus-associated thrombocytopenia.
Splenectomy in patients with hepatitis C cirrhosis is now safer prelude to
antiviral treatment. Overwhelming post splenectomy infection (OPSI) syndrome is
a rare condition, but is associated with high mortality. However, recognition
and clinical management of OPSI is not well established. We reviewed the
literature characterizing the clinicopathological features of OPSI and assessed
the most effective and feasible administration of the condition. Prevention
strategies such as vaccination and education are also potentially important
parts of the strategy for splenectomized HCV patients.