Before pregnancy, splenectomy increases the risk of which complication?

Before pregnancy, splenectomy increases the risk of which complication?

• A. Infection
• B. Thrombosis
• C. Hypertension
• D. Anemia

Answer: (A)

When the spleen is removed, the body's ability to fight certain bacteria is greatly reduced. The spleen plays a key role in filtering bacteria from the blood and in producing antibodies, especially against encapsulated organisms like pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, and meningococcus. Without this defense, the risk of severe, potentially life-threatening infections rises markedly, a risk that persists lifelong. That’s why infection is the complication most associated with splenectomy in the pre-pregnancy period. Vaccinations against the encapsulated organisms and, in some cases, preventive antibiotics are important strategies to reduce this risk. If fever or signs of infection occur, prompt medical evaluation is essential because infections can progress quickly in asplenic individuals.

When the spleen is removed, the body's ability to fight certain bacteria is greatly reduced. The spleen plays a key role in filtering bacteria from the blood and in producing antibodies, especially against encapsulated organisms like pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, and meningococcus. Without this defense, the risk of severe, potentially life-threatening infections rises markedly, a risk that persists lifelong. That’s why infection is the complication most associated with splenectomy in the pre-pregnancy period. Vaccinations against the encapsulated organisms and, in some cases, preventive antibiotics are important strategies to reduce this risk. If fever or signs of infection occur, prompt medical evaluation is essential because infections can progress quickly in asplenic individuals.