[Clinical observation of splenectomy on chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in 63 patients].

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effectiveness of splenectomy in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura who failed to respond to conservative management.

METHOD: Sixty-three patients were treated with splenectomy and followed up for 2 months to 16 years (average 4.7 years).

RESULT: The patients had symptoms of bleeding and their platelet count on average was 24 x 10(9)/L. The first, 3rd, 5th and 7th day after operation, the average platelet count was 110 x 10(9)/L, 202 x 10(9)/L, 251 x 10(9)/L and 246 x 10(9)/L. Their platelet recovered to normal during a week in 51 cases (80.9%). The total effective rate was 86.9% after follow-up for 2 months. The recurrence rate was 17.9% in 39 cases after follow-up for longtime.

CONCLUSIONS

The curative effect of splenectomy is better in children than in adults. In patients with increased platelet have a favourable prognosis. Splenectomy is safe and effective in the treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.