Cardiology - Rheumatic Fever Flashcards

1
Q

Definition

A

2-4 week pharyngeal infection with group A - β-haemolytic Streptococcus pyogenes.
Rheumatic heart disease usually occurs after recurrent episodes.

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2
Q

Epidemiology

A

Childhood and adolescence : peak age 5-17 years old
Developing world
Malnutrition
Overcrowding
Family history of rheumatic fever
HLA class II

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3
Q

Signs (J<3NES)

A
  • Joint pain: Tender joints: usually not swollen
  • <3: Heart murmur: strongly associated with mitral stenosis (chronic) and regurgitation (acute) and aortic regurgitation , palpitations
    -Nodules (subcutaneous)
  • Erythema marginatum: pink or red macules (flat) and papules (raised) with a clear centre on the trunk or limbs
  • Syndenham’s Chorea
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4
Q

Symptoms

A
  • Recent sore throat or scarlet fever: occurs 2-4 weeks before chest pain
  • Chest pain: pleuritic
  • SOB
  • Fever and rigours
  • Joint pain: oligo- or poly- arthritis
    = severe pain
    = often involves the lower limbs
  • Non-pleuritic rash
  • Syndenhams chorea
    = rapid, uncoordinated jerking movement of the face, hand and feet
    = occurs up to 6 months after initial infection
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5
Q

Criteria

A

JONES CRITERIA: 2 major criteria or 1 major and 2 minor criteria
- Evidence of recent strep infection:
= rapid group A streptococcal antigen test: positive
= throat culture: positive
= recent scarlet fever

  • Major criteria (J<3NES)
    = Joint pain/arthritis: migratory polyarthritis MC larger joints
    = <3 carditis: pericarditis with the endocardium most typically affected, Px may have a new murmur +/or HF
    = Nodules (subcutaneous)
    = Erythema marginatum
    = Sydenham’s chorea

Minor criteria (CAFEPAL)
= CRP > 3mg/dL
= Arthralgia
= Fever >38.5 (>38 degs high risk )
= ESR > 60mm/h (>30mm/h high risk)
= Prolonged PR interval due to risk of heart block
= Anamnesis suggestive of rheumatism
= Leukocytosis

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6
Q

Diagnosis

A

Chest X ray: cardiomegaly + CHF
Echo: aortic valvular pathology, pericarditis or pericardial effusion
Blood cultures: if Px pyrexial

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7
Q

Treatment

A

Conservative: bed rest, analgesia, immobilise joints in severe arthritis
Antibiotics: BENZYLPENICILLIN IV STAT, followed by oral PHENOXYMETHYLPENICILLIN for 10 days
Severe Syndenham’s chorea: HALOPERIDOL

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8
Q

Secondary prophylaxis

A

Long term, regular Abx = IM benzylpenicillin
Duration dependant on Px factors:
- No carditis or rheumatic heart disease = min 5 years after attack or until 18 years old (which ever is longer)
- Documented carditis or RHD = min 10 years after attack or until 21 years old (which ever longer)
- Moderate to severe valvular disease = LIFE
- Chronic carditis = LIFE
- Artificial valves = LIFE A

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9
Q

Complications

A

Rheumatic heart disease = 30-50% of patients mc affecting mitral valve, 2nd mc aortic valve
- mc cause of mitral stenosis
Heart failure = chronic or recurrent cases
Infective endocarditis
Atrial fibrillation

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