| Definition: |
Felty's syndrome is a disorder characterized by rheumatoid arthritis, an enlarged spleen, a decreased white blood cell count, and recurrent infection.
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| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: |
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 a low white blood cell count.
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| Symptoms: |
- General feeling of discomfort (malaise)
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Unintentional weight loss
- Pale-looking skin
- Joint swelling, stiffness, pain, and deformity
- Recurrent infections
- Eye burning or discharge
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| 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 (complete blood count) may show decreased neutrophil count.
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| 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.
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| Expectations (prognosis): |
Progression of rheumatoid arthritis is likely. Some people benefit from splenectomy.
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| Complications: |
Recurrent infections may develop.
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| Calling your health care provider: |
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of this disorder develop.
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| Prevention: |
There is no known prevention for Felty's syndrome.
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