Open AccessRheumatoid arthritis patients with peripheral blood cell reduction should be evaluated for latent Felty syndrome
Author(s) -
Peng Wu,
Weifeng Sun,
Jing Li
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.59
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1536-5964
pISSN - 0025-7974
DOI - 10.1097/md.0000000000023608
Subject(s) - medicine , rheumatoid arthritis , prednisone , rash , arthritis , white blood cell , bone marrow , gastroenterology , leukopenia , felty's syndrome , immunosuppression , neutropenia , surgery , chemotherapy
Abstract Rationale: Felty syndrome is a rare and life-threatening type of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patient concerns: A patient with RA had skin rash and subcutaneous hemorrhage, with a significant decrease in blood hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cell count (WBC), and blood platelet count (BPC). Diagnoses: The patient had a history of RA, splenomegaly, decreased Hb, WBC, BPC, and normal immunological indexes, combined with a series of bone marrow related tests and genetic tests. Interventions: She was given high-doses of glucocorticoids intravenously, followed by oral prednisone and cyclosporine maintenance therapy. Outcomes: Her symptoms were resolved within 2 weeks after the start of immunosuppression. After 2 weeks of discharge, the Hb, WBC, BPC basically returned to normal, and prednisone gradually decreased. Lessons: Felty syndrome is a rare complication of RA. Reductions in Hb, WBC, BPC, and subcutaneous hemorrhage should be considered strongly as the possibility of Felty syndrome. Multi-disciplinary diagnosis and related tests of bone marrow and genes are helpful for diagnosis and correct treatment.