Advances in Pathogenesis and Related Clinical Research of Thromboembolism in Patients with Thalassemia after Splenectomy

Abstract

Thalassemia is the most common human hereditary hemolytic anemia. Due to splenomegaly and hypersp-lenism, splenectomy can be used as a means of treatment for thalassemia. Various complications following splenectomy, however, especially thromboembolic complications are remarkable. This review summarizes the incidence, clinical manifestations and development time of thromboembolism. The pathogenesis of thromboembolism after splenectomy in thalassemia, such as abnormal platelet number and function, changes in red cell membrane, endothelial cell damage, dysfunction of other procoagulant and anticoagulant factors, and local factors associated with splenectomy are elaborated and the trategies to prevent and treat the thromboembolic events in thalassemia after splenectomy, including the attention to risk factors associated with splenectomy, a reassessment of splenectomy, regular blood transfusion to reduce the ratio of abnormal red blood cells, treatment with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs, application of hydroxyurea and stem cell transplantation are discussed.