Felty’s Syndrome
Description
Felty’s syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is characterized by a triad of symptoms: rheumatoid arthritis, enlarged spleen (splenomegaly), and low white blood cell count (neutropenia), which increases the risk of infections. People with Felty’s syndrome experience joint pain and swelling (due to RA), frequent infections, fatigue, weight loss, and skin ulcers. The exact cause is unknown, but it is thought to involve an overactive immune response. Diagnosis is based on clinical findings, blood tests showing low neutrophil levels, and imaging of swollen joints. Treatment focuses on managing rheumatoid arthritis with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), corticosteroids, and in severe cases, splenectomy (surgical removal of the spleen).