Resolution of the neutropenia of Felty's syndrome by longterm administration of recombinant granulocyte colony stimulating factor.
Felty's syndrome is characterized by neutropenia, splenomegaly, and recurrent infection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. We used recombinant granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rGCSF) in a patient with Felty's syndrome and recurrent sepsis. rGCSF induced a statistically significant increase in the patient's absolute neutrophil and total white blood cell counts. During 14 months of followup taking rGCSF, disseminated varicella zoster was the only infectious complication. Except mild thrombocytopenia and a transient flare of arthritis, no serious adverse effects occurred. rGCSF may be a safe and effective therapy for Felty's syndrome in selected patients.
Krishnaswamy
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G
Department of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, Johnson City 37614-0622, USA.
Odem
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Chi
D S
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Kalbfleisch
J
J
Baker
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N
Smith
J K
JK
D000368:Aged; D016470:Bacteremia / Q000150:complications; D005258:Felty Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000276:immunology*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012074:Remission Induction
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor