Felty’s syndrome
Definition
A disorder characterized by rheumatoid arthritis, an enlarged spleen,
a decreased white blood cell count, and recurrent
infection.
Causes
and risks
The cause of Felty?s syndrome
is unknown. It is a variant of rheumatoid arthritis
and is more common in people who have had rheumatoid
arthritis for a long time. People with this syndrome
suffer from an increased incidence of infection
associated with the low white blood cell count.
Prevention
Prevention is unknown.
Symptoms
- general feeling of
discomfort (malaise)
- fatigue
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- pale color
- joint swelling, stiffness,
pain, and deformity
- recurrent infections
- eye burning, and/or
discharge
Signs
and tests
A physical examination shows
an enlarged spleen, and may also show an enlarged
liver or enlarged lymph nodes. Joint findings
are typical of rheumatoid arthritis.
A CBC may show decreased neutrophil count.
Treatment
People with this syndrome
are usually already under treatment for rheumatoid
arthritis.
Splenectomy (removal of the spleen) may improve
the white cell count and the susceptibility to
infections.
Prognosis
Progression of rheumatoid
arthritis is likely. Some people benefit from
splenectomy. |
