HYPOSPLENISM IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Hyposplenism, which is suggested by a typical peripheral bloodsmear and by the absence of splenic activity in a ^99m To sulphurcolloid scan, has been recently found to be associated withvarious diseases. This condition increases the susceptibilityof patients to certain bacterial infections principally by pneumococci,meningococci and Haemophilus influenzae. The association ofSLE and hyposplenism has not often been reported before; thuswe see fit to report another such case. The administration ofpolyvalent pneumococcal vaccine is recommended in this condition. KEY WORDS: Hyposplenism, Systemic lupus erythematosus