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Felty’s syndrome
A disorder characterized by rheumatoid arthritis, an enlarged
spleen, a decreased white blood cell count, and recurrent infection.
Causes of Felty’s
syndrome
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.
Symptoms of Felty’s
syndrome
- general feeling of discomfort
- fatigue
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- pale color
- joint swelling, stiffness, pain, and deformity
- recurrent infections
- eye burning, and/or discharge
Diagnosis of Felty’s
syndrome
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 of Felty’s
syndrome
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.
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Felty's
Syndrome Picture | |
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