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Relative risks from infection

Authoring team

The risk of severe infection following splenectomy is low - about 0.4% per year. This is 12 times the risk of the general population.

Subgroups of asplenic patients have variable risks:

  • splenectomy following trauma has a better prognosis

  • the risk is 25 times baseline in patients with malignant disease

  • the risk is 50 times baseline in children

The risk is greatest during the first two years following splenectomy but asplenic patients are susceptible for life.

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