The spleen makes up a part of the immune system in our body.
Without a spleen, your child (especially if below 2 years of age) may have an increased risk of developing some serious infections. One of the complications is called overwhelming post-splenectomy infection (OPSI). Even though the risk is small and OPSI is uncommon, it can be very serious, rapidly progressive and even life-threatening if it occurs.
Without a spleen, your child is at risk for severe infections, primarily from bacteria such as pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniae), Haemophilus influenzae Type B, and meningococcus (Neisseria meningitidis).
Subscribe to our mailing list to get the updates to your inbox
