Autosplenectomy

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An autosplenectomy (from 'auto-' self, '-splen-' spleen, '-ectomy' removal) occurs when a disease damages the spleen to such an extent that it is non-functioning and so equivalent to the spleen having been surgically removed (splenectomy) .

[edit] Causes

This may occur in sickle-cell disease and spherocytosis when abnormal red blood cells repeatedly block off small blood vessels, causing infarction of parts of the spleen.

[edit] Consequences

Main article: Asplenia

Absence of effective splenic function (asplenia) is associated with increased risks of overwhelming post splenectomy infection. Protocols involving vaccination and prophylactic antibiotics can reduce these risks.