PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINE ADMINISTRATION ASSOCIATED WITH SPLENECTOMY - MISSED OPPORTUNITIES

Background: The spleen defends against infection from encapsulated org anisms. Patients who have had splenectomies are at risk for the develo pment of overwhelming pneumococcal infections. Guidelines recommend th at pneumococcal vaccine be given to all patients who have splenectomie s. Methods: This retrospective study was performed to evaluate complia nce with the guidelines in patients from a large multispecialty group practice who had splenectomies between 1988 and 1991. Ninety-five pati ents were identified, and their clinic and hospital records were revie wed. Results: Overall, 73.7% of patients who had splenectomies receive d the pneumococcal vaccine. No significant differences were found in t he vaccination rates over time or among the surgeons. Conclusion: Impr ovement is needed in ensuring that patients who have splenectomies rec eive pneumococcal vaccine.