Long term immune function and complication rates after splenic artery emboli zation for blunt abdominal trauma

The aim of this project is to evaluate the long-term immune function of patients who have undergone a proximal and/or distal splenic artery embolization at The Alfred following blunt abdominal trauma. Forty-nine patients in this cohort have previously been identified in a project between 2004 and 2010 where short-term immune function and splenic volume were assessed, demonstrating that there is moderately preserved short-term immune function. We hypothesise that immune function may return to normal in the long term, which would potentially lead to a revision of the need for prophylactic vaccination and immunisation in this cohort of patients.
$10,000 by funding body, Alfred Radiology Research Fund.