Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly) (cont.)

When the spleen enlarges, it loses some of the protective covering of the lower rib cage and becomes more vulnerable to injury. The enlarged spleen is fragile and can be damaged with relatively minor blows to the upper abdomen. It is a relatively solid organ and can fracture or crack causing significant and potentially life-threatening bleeding.

The enlarged spleen can also trap an excessive number of blood cells within it causing:

• anemia (decreased numbers of red blood cells), which may lead to weakness, shortness of breath, and easy fatigue;
  
  
• leukopenia (decreased white blood cells), which may lead to increased risk of infection; and
  
  
• thrombocytopenia (decreased platelets), which may lead to infection or to bleeding problems.

If the spleen needs to be removed, there is an increased risk of infection, especially due to bacteria such as pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniae), Hemophilus influenza, and meningococcus (Neisseria meningitides). It is important to consider keeping immunizations (particularly the pneumococcal vaccine, since about 50% to 90% of post splenectomy infections are due to encapsulated streptococci) current against these infections in patients whose spleen has been removed.

Splenomegaly is a complication of an underlying disease or illness and in itself cannot be prevented. Ideally, early recognition of an enlarged spleen may help the health care practitioner come to an early diagnosis as to the cause and perhaps prevent further spleen enlargement.

Source: MedicineNet.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/enlarged_spleen_splenomegaly/article.htm