Abstract
Nineteen cases of splenectomy for ITP were analyzed.
Cases were divided into three groups according to the last platelet count of the hospital records: group A with over 100,000 per mm3, group B with less than 100,000 per mm3 (increment >20,000 per mm3), and group C with no postoperative increment.
The number of patients was 13 (68%) in group A, 4 (22%) in group B, and 2 (10%) in group C.
The spleen/liver sequestration ratio of the Cr51 labeled platelets were not different in the groups A and B.
One patient who had normal platelet survival had a very poor postoperative result.
The number of megakaryocytes in preoperative bone marrow were not significantly different in three groups. However, two patients who had lower normal number of megakaryocytes were found: one in the group B and another in the group C.
Above results reveal that the organic sequestration pattern of C51 labeled platelets may not be a useful way for predicting the postoperative results. On the other hand, the low normal number of megakaryocytes in marrow may give contraindication for splenectomy.
