Rheumatic Fever Flashcards
Define rheumatic fever.
Rheumatic fever is an autoimmune disease that may occur following group A streptococcal throat infection. It can affect multiple systems, including the joints, heart, brain, and skin. Only the effects on the heart can lead to permanent illness.
Explain the aetiology/risk factors for rheumatic fever.
Poverty
Overcrowded living quarters
Family history of rheumatic fever
D8/17 B cell antigen positivity
HLA association
Genetic susceptibility
Summarise the epidemiology of rheumatic fever.
Primary episodes of acute rheumatic fever occur mainly in children aged 5 to 14 years and are rare in people over 30 years old. More than 2.4 million children have rheumatic heart disease worldwide; 94% of these are in developing countries.
Recognise the presenting symptoms of rheumatic fever. Recognise the signs of rheumatic fever on physical examination.
Sore throat
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Palpitations
Heart murmur
Pericardial rub
Signs of cardiac failure
Swollen joints
Restlessness, clumsiness
Emotional lability and personality changes
Jerky, uncoordinated choreiform movements
Identify appropriate investigations for rheumatic fever and interpret the results.
ESR
CRP
WBC count
Blood cultures
Electrocardiogram
CXR
Echocardiogram
Throat culture
Rapid antigen test for group A streptococci
Anti-streptococcal serology
