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).
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