What are the features of hyposplenism?

Blood film: features of hyposplenism include Howell-Jolly bodies, Pappenheimer bodies, target cells and irregular contracted red blood cells.

What is Hyposplenic?

hy·po·splen·ism. (hī’pō-splēn’izm), Absent or reduced splenic function, usually due to surgical removal, congenital aplasia, tumor replacement, or splenic vascular accident.

How do you diagnose hyposplenism?

Hyposplenism is relatively easy to recognize by typical changes observed on the peripheral blood smear; including Howell-Jolly bodies, monocytosis, lymphocytosis, and increased platelet counts. Diagnosis can be confirmed by pitted RBC counts or 99Tc-labelled radiocolloid scan of the spleen; wherever available.

What conditions cause Howell-Jolly bodies?

Howell-Jolly bodies are remnants of RBC nuclei that are normally removed by the spleen. Thus, they are seen in patients who have undergone splenectomy (as in this case) or who have functional asplenia (eg, from sickle cell disease).

How does sickle cell anemia cause hyposplenism?

The most frequent cause of autosplenectomy is sickle cell anemia which causes progressive splenic hypofunction over time. Increased deoxygenation causes sickling of red blood cells, which adhere to the spleen wall and splenic macrophages causing ischemia.

How do you know if your spleen is not working?

A damaged or ruptured spleen Signs of a ruptured spleen are: pain behind your left ribs and tenderness when you touch this area. dizziness and a rapid heart rate (a sign of low blood pressure caused by blood loss)

How does Hypersplenism cause anemia?

When your spleen’s overactive, or “hyper,” it removes too many blood cells, including healthy ones. Without enough healthy, mature blood cells, your body has a harder time fighting infections and you may become anemic.

What is the difference between Hypersplenism and splenomegaly?

Splenomegaly refers strictly to spleen enlargement, and is distinct from hypersplenism, which connotes overactive function by a spleen of any size. Splenomegaly and hypersplenism should not be confused. Each may be found separately, or they may coexist.

What causes Heinz bodies?

Physiology. Heinz bodies are the result of oxidative damage to erythrocyte hemoglobin. They may be seen in conjunction with eccentrocytes, which are the result of oxidative damage to the erythrocyte membrane. Heinz body formation is a cause of hemolytic anemia.

What causes splenic sequestration in sickle cell?

In sickle cell disease, acute splenic sequestration can happen at any age, but normally it occurs in infants and young children. Acute splenic sequestration happens when sickled red blood cells get trapped in the spleen, causing the spleen to enlarge.