What is Felty's syndrome?

Felty's syndrome or felta syndrome is a rare disorder that can complicate the disease of those who have rheumatoid arthritis. Not all people with rheumatoid arthritis have or develop Felty's syndrome. Having two other conditions identify the conditions that make: a very low number of white blood cells 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 sensitive especially to pneumonia and skin infection. In fact, some may develop lesions on their feet that can easily infect themselves with Felty syndrome. Other symptoms of Felty syndrome include symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis, high levels of fatigue and loss of appetite.

Felty syndrome diagnosis does not have a single test. Instead, the presence of these three conditions indicates Felty's syndrome. Treatment tends to be basedMity of susceptibility to infection. Others with Felty syndrome may be treated with daily antibiotics. Doctors sometimes hesitate to use prophylactic antibiotics, as this can lead to multiple antibiotic bacteria tribes such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Many people with Felty syndrome can also receive weekly injections of granulocyte -stimulating fractions (GSF), helping to stimulate a form of white blood cells called granulocytes. This can only work when blood work shows that granulocytes are insufficient. Doctors also focus on the treatment of symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis through various drugs.

doctors also recommend to those who have Felty syndrome to get the flu shots and be particularly vigilant during the cold and flu period. During the winter months, they should generally avoid crowded areas. They should alsoNout contact with those who are actively ill.

Felty syndrome guessed many scientists, because the lack of white blood cells most often indicates the inappropriate function of bone marrow. This would suggest that bone marrow transplantation could prove useful. However, it seems that people with Felty syndrome have a normally functioning bone marrow and originally produced enough white blood cells. White cells are then attacked and destroyed by their own body response.

Only about 1% of people with rheumatoid arthritis develop Felty syndrome. It tends to develop most often in people over 50 years of age. Some people may have Felty syndrome, but cannot be diagnosed because they have no experience of any symptoms of the disease.