POSSIBLE FEEDBACK-CONTROL OF WHITE BLOOD-CELLS - EFFECT OF SPLENECTOMY IN FELTYS-SYNDROME

Feedback control of the white blood cell (WBC) count was analyzed in 2 0 cases reported by Coon, before and after splenectomy in Felty's synd rome. In only one case did the total white cell count fail to rise pos tsplenectomy, while in a second case the polymorphonuclear (poly) coun t did not exceed the preoperative value. Both of these patients had in itial poly counts above 1000/mm(3). If the preoperative poly count was 35% or greater of total WBC, the postoperative percentage was lower i n five out of six cases. A comparison was made between pre-and postope rative poly counts, and three cases were noted to be underresponsive. However, two had a later rise in polys ('late responders'). A non-poly was defined as total WBC minus polys; a relationship was noted betwee n pre- and post-operative non-polys, described by the difference betwe en initial and postoperative counts. Thus, there is evidence for feedb ack control of the white cell count in Felty's syndrome after splenect omy.