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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Effects Of Spleen Not Functioning In Newborn?

my granddughter was born 6 wks early. Wt 3lbs 8 oz. Mother had no amniotic fluid. born with an enlarged liver. but liver function level are WNL. Spleen was not functioning. has had 2 units of blood, but platelet count is still low. She also had low blood sugar, bvut it is now WNL also. How dangerous is the spleen nhot functioning properly. I m an LPN, but I know that preeemies are not the same as term babies.
Mon, 14 Sep 2015
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Pediatrician,  's  Response
Hi,
Welcome to HCM forum,
Spleen being nonfunctional is not dangerous but the problem that might rise due to it can be significant. Spleen is like an organ that protects body from encapsulated organisms whose infection can cause deadly diseases and so its absence can lead to infection from such organisms. So, its usually advised to get vaccinated from those organisms. You need to also know that spleen is removed in a great number of individuals, a procedure called as splenectomy and still they lead a totally normal life. So, in this case, awareness and precautions are more important than being worried about the situation.
Hope I answered you query adequately. Let me know if there is any further clarification you need. Take Care.
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What Are The Effects Of Spleen Not Functioning In Newborn?

Hi, Welcome to HCM forum, Spleen being nonfunctional is not dangerous but the problem that might rise due to it can be significant. Spleen is like an organ that protects body from encapsulated organisms whose infection can cause deadly diseases and so its absence can lead to infection from such organisms. So, its usually advised to get vaccinated from those organisms. You need to also know that spleen is removed in a great number of individuals, a procedure called as splenectomy and still they lead a totally normal life. So, in this case, awareness and precautions are more important than being worried about the situation. Hope I answered you query adequately. Let me know if there is any further clarification you need. Take Care.