Felty’s syndrome is a rare disease that can complicate rheumatoid arthritis. It is identified by a low white blood cell count and an enlarged spleen. Those with Felty syndrome are more susceptible to infections, and treatment is based on the degree of susceptibility. Some may have their spleen removed or receive weekly injections of granulocyte stimulating faction. People with Felty’s syndrome should get the flu shot and avoid crowded areas during the winter months. Only about 1% of people with rheumatoid arthritis develop Felty syndrome.
Felty’s syndrome or Felty’s syndrome is a rare disease that can complicate the disease of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. Not all people with rheumatoid arthritis have or will develop Felty syndrome. Having two additional conditions identifies which ones do: a very low white blood cell count and an enlarged spleen, called splenomegaly.
Felty syndrome creates problems because the abnormally low level of white blood cells predisposes people to a higher risk of infection. Those with Felty syndrome are more susceptible especially to pneumonia and skin infections. In fact, some with Felty’s syndrome can develop leg lesions, which can easily become infected. Additional symptoms of Felty’s syndrome include those associated with rheumatoid arthritis, high levels of fatigue and loss of appetite.
Diagnosis for Felty’s syndrome does not have a single test. The presence of these three conditions indicates Felty Syndrome. Treatment tends to be based on the degree of susceptibility to infection.
Some people with Felty syndrome have their spleen removed, as an enlarged spleen can lead to a sudden rupture. Others with Felty’s syndrome can be treated with daily antibiotics. Sometimes doctors hesitate to use prophylactic antibiotics as this can lead to more antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria such as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Many people with Felty syndrome may also receive weekly injections of granulocyte stimulating faction (GSF), which helps stimulate the production of a certain form of white blood cell called granulocytes. This may only work when the blood test shows that granulocytes are low. Doctors also focus on treating rheumatoid arthritis symptoms through a variety of medications.
Doctors also advise people with Felty’s syndrome to get the flu shot and to be especially vigilant during cold and flu season. They should generally avoid crowded areas during the winter months. Additionally, they should avoid contact with those who are actively ill.
Felty syndrome puzzles many researchers because a lack of white blood cells most often indicates inappropriate bone marrow function. This would suggest that a bone marrow transplant could prove beneficial. However, people with Felty syndrome appear to have normally functioning bone marrow, which initially produces enough white blood cells. The white blood cells are then attacked and destroyed by the body’s immune response.
Only about 1 percent of people with rheumatoid arthritis develop Felty syndrome. It tends to develop more often in people over 50. Some people may have Felty’s syndrome but go undiagnosed because they have no symptoms of the disease.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
