Signs of Rheumatic Fever

Description

An inflammatory disease that may develop after a poorly treated or untreated Group A Streptococcus bacterial infection (such as strep throat or scarlet fever). The disease can affect the heart, joints, skin, and brain. If untreated permanent damge to the heart can occur leading to damage to the heart valves and heart failure. The exact cause is not known but is thought to coccur from an abnormal reaction by the immune system causing the body to attack its own organs. It is uncommon in the United States but is frequently found in developing countries. The disease is most commonly seen in 5-15 year olds but can affect adults as well.

Symptoms

Symptoms may depend on the severity of the disease and the body parts affected, which may include fever, painful and tender joints, warm and red joints, chest pain, rapid heart beat, fatigue and shortness of breath.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed with a close examination of the heart, skin, and joints. A history of a recent strep infection is suggestive of the disease. Additional lab tests may include: blood test for recurrent strep infection (ASO test), CBC (complete blood count), EKG (electrocardiogram), sedimentation rate (ESR). The healthcare providers use several major and minor criteria to diagnose rheumatic fever. These criteria consists of elements in the history, physical and lab testing.

Standard Workup

UA
X-Ray
Ultrasound
EKG

Treatment

If you are diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever you will be treated with antibiotics. Anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or corticosteroids reduce inflammation to help manage acute rheumatic fever. You may have to take low doses of antibiotics (such as penicillin, sulfadiazine, or erythromycin) over the long term to prevent strep throat from returning. Prevention is the best treatemnt. This is why it is important to finish all of the prescribed antibiotics for a strep infection.