Your spleen is a complex organ that serves many purposes. It is a part of your lymph system. In fact, it can be thought of as one big, fist-sized lymph node. Removing your spleen removes some of your body's antibody production capabilities including some of the antibodies required to respond to pneumonia and other types of infections. To compensate for this most physicians recommend a series of vaccinations before your splenectomy to protect you against additional infection.
Children are more susceptible to the immune consequences of a splenectomy.
Often, they are given a long-term course of antibiotics to assist their immune system. This varies from one case to the next. Some people with ITP have been successful in getting assistance. Others have found it a challenge. The severity of this disease and the impact on life varies greatly.