An abnormally low level of neutrophils (a key type of white blood cell) is a serious complicating factor for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Treatments for this condition, known as neutropenia, focus on controlling the underlying RA. Most of the traditional medications used to treat RA have been used in such cases.

Gold Salts

Historically, RA patients were generally treated with gold therapy. Neutropenia is now recognized as a side effect, and discontinuing gold therapy may alleviate neutropenia in RA patients.

Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)

Neutropenia in RA patients is typically treated with DMARDs, including methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, auronofin, penicillamine and glucocorticoids.

Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (GCSF)

GCSF has proven to help patients with serious infections from neutropenia, but may cause flares of arthritic symptoms.

Newer Treatments

Research in Japan indicates that Salazosulfapyridine can improve neutropenia symptoms in patients with RA. Success of the treatment can be monitored through flow cytometry. A study by Dr. P.A. Chandra (American Journal of Therapeutics) credits Rituximab for improving neutropenia symptoms in RA patients by decreasing the size of rheumatoid nodules. Better pain control is also reported.

Herbs and Supplements

Many of the symptoms of neutropenia and RA may be alleviated with herbs and supplements. Talk to your doctor before taking a homeopathic approach.

Consultations

Doctors treating RA patients with neutropenia symptoms generally consult with rheumatologists, hematologists and infectious diseases specialist.

Source:

"Neutropenia." "Clin Alert;" Neutropenia; C. Deighton; Dec 31, 2006.

"American Journal of Therapeutics;" Rituximab is useful in the treatment of Felty's syndrome; P.A. Chandra; 2008.

"Journal of Rheumatology;" Salazosulfapyridine-induced remission of Felty's syndrome along with significant reduction in neutrophil-bound immunoglobulin; K. Ishikawa; February 2003.