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Antibodies
Antibodies

Felty’s syndrome
Definition:
A disorder characterized by rheumatoid arthritis, an enlarged spleen, a decreased white blood cell count, and recurrent infection.

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 the low white blood cell count.
Symptoms:
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.
Expectations (prognosis):
Progression of rheumatoid arthritis is likely. Some people benefit from splenectomy.
Complications:
Recurrent infections may develop.
Calling your health care provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of this disorder develop.
Prevention:
Prevention is unknown.
Review Date: 12/1/2001
Reviewed By: Birgit Kovacs, M.D., Division of Rheumatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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