Author Question: What condition is most associated with autosplenectomy? a. Abdominal trauma b. Thrombocytopenia ... (Read 142 times)

skymedlock · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

What condition is most associated with autosplenectomy?

a. Abdominal trauma
b. Thrombocytopenia
c. Sickle cell anemia
d. Iron deficiency

Question 2

Why does surgical removal of the spleen cause people to have an increased platelet count?

a. The bone marrow makes more platelets when the person has no spleen.
b. The 30 of platelets normally stored in the spleen are freely circulating.
c. Antibodies produced after splenectomy attack platelets.
d. Surgery stimulates platelet growth factors.

trog · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
In sickle cell anemia, repeated sickling events in the spleen, where the red cells are stressed, result in multiple splenic infarcts. Eventually, the spleen is no longer functional. This results in functional loss of the spleen and is called an autosplenectomy.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Normally, about 30 of the total platelet count is stored or sequestered in the spleen. When the spleen is removed (splenectomy), the platelet count will temporarily increase until the bone marrow adjusts its production of platelets to reestablish an essentially reference range platelet count.