Concomitant Pre- and Post-splenectomy Physiotherapy Rehabilitation in a 17-Year-Old Patient With Beta Thalassemia Major: A Case Report

Abstract

Thalassemia is a group of disorders having hematological origin. It is hereditary in nature, characterized by a defect in the synthesis of alpha or beta chains of hemoglobin leading to alpha or beta thalassemia, respectively. Based on the severity, beta thalassemia can be minor, intermittent, or major. Patients with thalassemia major require frequent blood transfusions, which come with various complications, of which hepatosplenomegaly is the most common. A 17-year-old male patient had a chief complaint of stomach ache and fever for the last five days. He was on a monthly blood transfusion. USG impression revealed hepatosplenomegaly and cholelithiasis. Splenectomy along with cholecystectomy was done as a part of surgical management after which a comprehensive pre-and postoperative physiotherapeutic rehabilitation program has been inculcated incorporating various respiratory techniques, strength training, and home exercise program, hence helping the patient to return to his routine daily activities efficiently. The Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale, and Beck Anxiety Inventory were used as outcome measures over four weeks to demonstrate the efficacy of the treatment. In this case study, a well-planned comprehensive physiotherapy rehabilitation protocol has proven helpful in improving quality of life, maximizing functional capacity, and reducing anxiety and depression in the patient.