Immunglobuline und Intracutanteste nach Splenektomie

Summary

A decrease of γ-M globulins is found only during the first 6 months following splenectomy after traumatic rupture of the spleen. After 6 months the γ-M values are normal. The antistreptomycin titer and skin reactions to Candida albicans, streptokinase and old-tuberculin are unaltered after splenectomy.

Immunoglobulins are augmented in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and considerably increased in chronic aggressive hepatitis and progressive liver cirrhosis, while they are diminished in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Splenectomy in hepatic disorders produced a fall in immunoglobulins which, however, were still well above normal.

The antistreptolysin titer was raised in liver diseases. Conversely, the tuberculin reaction in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, chronic hepatitis or liver cirrhosis and in chronic lymphocytic leukemia was depressed. The immediate response to Candida albicans was strongly positive only in ITP.

In more than 150 splenectomies performed during the last 5 years, however, we have not noted any susceptibility to infection which could be attributed to the lack of the spleen and could not be explained by the basic disease process.