What is Felty’s syndrome?
Felty Syndrome is characterized as a complication of rheumatoid arthritis.
It is most commonly associated with more than 10 years of preceding RA activity.
FS patients are more likely to have a family history of RA
FS is characterized by the triad of Rheumatoid arthritis, splenomegaly ( enlargement of the spleen) and abnormally low white blood count.
Although many patients with FS are asymptomatic, some develop serious and life-threatening infections secondary to granulocytopenia.
Who is more prone to get affected by Felty’s syndrome?
Felty syndrome is three times more common in females than in males.
Men are affected earlier in the course of RA than women. FS is most common in whites and is uncommon in blacks.
What are the causes of Felty’s syndrome?
The cause is not known. A possibility is that the immune system is destroying white blood cells.
What are the signs and symptoms of Felty’s syndrome?
• Swelling in joints
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Burning in eyes
• Pale skin
• Stiffness
• Some patients with FS may have ulcers on the lower legs, and discoloration or abnormal brown pigmentation of the skin, particularly on the legs
What are the investigations for Felty’s syndrome?
• Presence of splenomegaly, Hepatomegaly, Rheumatoid nodules.
• The enzymes like alkaline phosphatase and transaminase levels show a mild increase.
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and serum immunoglobulin levels are invariably elevated in patients with FS.
• CBC( complete blood count )
What are the complications of Felty’s syndrome?
• Portal hypertension
• Splenic rupture
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
What is the differential diagnosis of Felty’s syndrome?
• Sarcoidosis
• Lymphoma
• Sjogren syndrome
• Tuberculosis
What treatment is advised for Felty’s syndrome?
• Some medications prescribed, are methotrexate, azathioprine, penicillamine, and cyclosporin.
• Surgical removal of spleen in severe cases.
What management is advised for Felty’s syndrome?
Washing hands
What is the homoeopathic treatment for Felty’s syndrome?
Arnica montana
Apis mellifica
Benzoic acid
Calcarea fluorica
Ledum palustre
Lithium carbonicum
Rhus Toxicodendron
