THE VALUE OF SPLENECTOMY IN FELTY'S SYNDROME

Abstract

Felty''s syndrome is a chronic constitutional disease with all the signs and symptoms of chronic infection. Absolute bed rest, a highly nourishing diet rich in vits., and mental as well as physical relaxation are required. Bone marrow studies should be done to determine the degree of activity or inactivity of the marrow. If inactivity is present splenectomy should not be done. If the marrow is hyperplastic and all other known methods have failed, splenectomy is in order. Three cases of atrophic arthritis associated with a syndrome described by Felty are presented. The leukopenia and secondary anemia were successfully controlled in 2 patients by giving liver extract or liver extract and Fe. All efforts to improve the peripheral blood picture failed in one patient. Splenectomy proved of value in this case. Improvement in the blood picture and in the general clinical condition of the patient followed splenectomy. It did not alter the course of the arthritis.