Abstract

Background: The aim of our study was to measure the concentrations of: total serum cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG), in patients splenectomised due to trauma as well as in those with splenomegaly caused by portal hypertension or myeloproliferative disorders.
Results: Our studies indicate that in splenectomized patients concentration of TG is significantly higher than in the control group, however without changes in concentration of TC, and its fractions. In the case of splenomegaly mean values of: TC, and LDL-C, were significantly decreased than in the control group, no matter the reason of splenomegaly.
Conclusions: Changes in lipids profile in splenectomized patients and especially in those with splenomegaly, indicate that spleen can play some role in lipids metabolism.
Material/Methods: Studies were carried out on 14 splenectomized patients, 17 with portal hypertension caused by liver cirrhosis and 8 with splenomegaly due to myeloproliferative disorders. Control group consisted of 26 age-and sex matched subjects treated for hernias or varicous veins, without spleen enlargement or metabolic disorders.

Keywords: Splenomegaly, Splenectomy, Spleen, lipids metabolism