Felty Syndrome – What is it, Symptoms and Treatments!
What is Felty Syndrome: Felty Syndrome is a rare disease that involves three conditions. These conditions are rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a low white blood cell count and an enlarged spleen. The Arthritis Society of Canada reports that less than 1 percent of people with RA have Felty Syndrome .
Not much is known about the condition, but doctors consider it a serious illness . Some people have no visible symptoms other than those associated with RA. Other people may exhibit a range of symptoms, including:
- fatigue
- serious infections
- a fever
- weight loss
- Discolored patches of skin
What are the symptoms of Felty Syndrome: Sometimes people who have Felty Syndrome may not have any symptoms at all. Other times, they may have specific symptoms that occur with the syndrome, such as:
- eye discharge
- A burning sensation in the eyes
- fatigue
- weight loss
- Joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformities
- loss of appetite
- general discomfort
- infections
- Pale skin coloring
- Additional symptoms may include ulcers, discolored areas on the skin, and an enlarged liver. These symptoms vary from case to case.
What Causes Felty Syndrome: The cause of Felty Syndrome is unknown, but doctors believe it is a genetic condition. It is possible that affected individuals only need one abnormal gene to develop the disease . The National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD) notes that Felty Syndrome can be anautoimmune disease .
Although people who have had RA for a long time are at higher risk for Felty Syndrome , RA is not always the cause of the disorder.
What are the Treatment Options for Felty Syndrome: Most people diagnosed with Felty Syndrome are already receiving treatment for RA. Having Felty syndrome may require additional medications. Your doctor may prescribe methotrexate, which is the most effective form of treatment for many of the symptoms. Some people may also benefit from having their spleen surgically removed.
If you have recurring infections, following these tips can help reduce the amount of infections you experience:
- Try to avoid injuries.
- Get an annual flu shot.
- Avoid crowded places during flu season.
- Wash your hands well.