When should vaccines be given before splenectomy?
The pneumococcal, meningococcal and H.influenzae vaccincs should bc given at least 4 weeks before the operation. Streptococcus pneumoniae accounts for more than 75% of documented bacterial infections in asplenic patients. Malaria is also more severe and carries increased risk of mortality in these patients. Q: What are the common hormonal problems in thalassemia? Poor growth, short stature, delayed puberty and secondary amenorrhoea are common problems, mainly due to anemia and hypogonadism. Maintenance of a good Hb level and proper iron chelation reduces the magnitude of these problems. For hypogonadism, replacement doses of testosterone or estrogen are required. Hypothyroidism (30%) is treated with eltroxin. For hypoparathyroidism, manifesting as body pains, muscular spasms, and tetany, vitamin D3 and calcium are used. Impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes can be detected by the oral glucose tolerance test. esp. in patients >10 years of age. Reduced bone mineral density in adolescen
