RHEUMATIC FEVER

Question 1

what is rheumatic fever?

Answer 1

acute fever that is caused by group A beta (β)-haemolytic streptococcus (GAS). presents in young children as an upper throat/respiratory infection.
other symptoms include fever, aching/inflamed joints, skin and NS, red tonsils with or without exudate

Question 2

what is rheumatic heart disease?

Answer 2

when inflammation leads to permanent damage of the valves of the heart.

Question 3

what can we do to reduce rheumatic heart disease?

Answer 3

check ALL children with sore throats, swab and send to labs

Question 4

what are the major and minor manifestations that are used to diagnose acute rheumatic fever in Jones Criteria?

Answer 4

MINOR: fever, joint pain, lethargy, prolonged PR interval

MAJOR: carditis (inflammation of the heart), arthritis, subcutaneous nodules, chorea (JERKY INVOLUNTARY MOVEMENTS), erythema marginatum (RASH)

Question 5

what is the treatment used for acute rheumatic fever?

Answer 5

while in hospital PENICILLIN 2 TIMES A DAY.
OR ONCE DAILY AMOXICILLIN
routine obs
daily weight- FBC

Question 6

what is used to prevent another episode of acute rheumatic fever?

Answer 6

PENICILLIN IM INJECTIONS EVERY 4 WEEKS

this prevents the recurrence of acute rheumatic fever which could lead to rheumatic heart disease.

Question 7

what children/groups are more susceptible to acute rheumatic fever?

Answer 7

Maori, Pacific, overcrowded houses, recent immigrants, frequent exposure to infections (school, daycare)

Question 8

what are some signs and symptoms of rheumatic heart disease?

Answer 8

fever, joint pain, chorea,
increased HR
murmur
myocarditis

Question 9

what treatment options are available for rheumatic heart disease?

Answer 9

surgery to repair damage heart valves

IM BENZATHINE PENICILLIN every 28 days