Possible Causes of Felty's Syndrome
Felty's syndrome is a complication of Rheumatoid Arthritis, a progressive autoimmune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation. It is defined by Rheumatoid Arthritis, enlarged spleen and an abnormally low white blood cell count. Felty's syndrome was first described by Augustus Roi Felty in 1924. It has also been described by Anatole Marie Emile Chauffard and Sir George Frederick Still. The syndrome is also known as Felty syndrome and Still-Chauffard-Felty syndrome.
Those who suffer from Felty's syndrome may develop more infections such as pneumonia and skin infections than an average person without the disorder. This is because those with the syndrome have an abnormally low white blood cell count and are not able to fight infections. These infections can be life-threatening, especially if they develop in the lungs.
SYMPTOMS AND COMPLICATIONS
Symptoms of Felty's syndrome include severe rheumatoid arthritis that is present for at least ten years, enlarged spleen, low white blood cell count, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, eye burning and discharge, paleness, ulcers on legs, skin discoloration, anemia, vasculitis and a general feeling of discomfort.
Complications of Felty's syndrome include splenic rupture, life-threatening infection and liver involvement. Those with Felty's syndrome also have an increased risk of developing cancer.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
The diagnosis of Felty's syndrome is based on the presence of Rheumatoid Arthritis, enlarged spleen, low white blood cell count and increase infections. There is no single test to diagnose the syndrome.
Treatment may not be required in all cases. If treatment is needed medications are prescribed for recurring infections. Weekly injections of granulocyte stimulating factor or GSF may also be used. Spleen removal may be necessary to avoid sudden rupture. Annual flu shots, washing hands frequently and proper wound maintenance may help reduce the number of infections. It is possible for spontaneous remission to occur.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
It is rare and the exact cause of Felty's syndrome is unknown, but there are a few possible causes. The white blood cells may develop abnormally or they may not circulate in the blood stream properly. There is also a possibility that the immune system destroys the white blood cells. Another possibility is that Felty's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that is genetically transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait, but there are no studies that can confirm this.
Not all who have Rheumatoid Arthritis will develop Felty's syndrome. In fact, it affects less than one percent of all those with Rheumatoid Arthritis. The cases of Felty's syndrome may be decreasing because of more effective treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis.
this article has been brought to you by associatedcontent.com/cristina134By: C.Olvera
Published: 02/15/08
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