STUDY OF SPLENOMEGALY IN CHILDREN.

Abstract

Splenomegaly is common clinical finding in pediatric practice. Splenic enlargement occurs when the spleen is increased by cells or tissue components or by vascular engorgement. Various etiologies can cause splenomegaly. The spleen is rarely the primary site of a disease. Splenomegaly is classified according to the length palpable below the costal margin as mild: <3 cm, moderate: 4-7 cm & massive: >7 cm. Severe/massive splenomegaly doesn't commonly occur in first 5 years of age, occurs after 5 years of age. So, clinical examination of every child is important to diagnose splenomegaly at early stages. Only in the age group of 1 to 5 years females predominated as compared to males. In present study there is obvious male predominance as male: female ratio is 1.8:1. This difference could be due to more priority to male child to seeking medical care with such chronic illness.Present study also suggested that severe/massive splenomegaly doesn't commonly occur in first 5 years of age, occurs after 5 years of age. So, clinical examination of every child is important to diagnose splenomegaly at early stages.