Outcomes of splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in adults: a developing country perspective.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcome of splenectomy done in adult patients of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura over a period of 10 years and, secondarily, to determine the predictors of complete response to therapy.

METHODS: The retrospective review comprised of adult patients over 14 years of age who underwent open or laparoscopic splenectomy for Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from January 2000 to December 2010. Data was reviewed in January 2011 by a surgical resident. Outcome was the response to splenectomy as per new definition of response set by the American Society of Haematology 2011 evidence based practice guidelines for Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura. Assessment of response was done within 1 to 2 months of splenectomy and after withholding concomitant treatment. SPSS 17 was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: A total of 27 patients were found eligible. Of them, 2 (7.4%) were males and 25 (92.6%) were females with an overall mean age at the time of splenectomy of 30.8±6.3 years (range: 15-55 years). Out of 27 cases, 23 (85.18%) patients underwent open splenectomy, 3 (11%) laparoscopic and 1 (3.7%) had laparoscopic converted to open splenectomy. Complete response was achieved in 20 (74.1%) patients, whereas 5 (18.5%) had response and 2 (7.4%) had no response. None of the predictors of response to splenectomy were found significant.

CONCLUSION: Response to splenectomy in adult Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura patients was comparable to reported rate in literature with relatively lower morbidity and mortality. Splenectomy is a safe treatment option especially in patients who succumb to adverse effects of medical therapy.