Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory condition. It involves the connective tissue in the body. The most severe complication is rheumatic heart disease. This condition may permanently damage the heart valves. Valves affects the flow of blood to and from the heart. Symptoms of valve damage often don't appear for 10-30 years after the initial event.
Rheumatic fever is caused by a problem in the immune system. It happens in response to group A Streptococcus pharyngitis ( strep throat ). In this case, the immune system not only fights the bacteria but also attacks its own tissue. It often attacks heart tissue.
Factors that may increase your risk of rheumatic fever include:
Symptoms usually appear 2 to 4 weeks after a strep infection. They may include:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. This will include a careful exam of your heart. The doctor may take a throat culture. A blood test for streptococcal antibodies may be done.
Other tests may include:
The goals of treatment are to:
Treatment may include:
To treat the strep infection:
To help with joint pain and swelling:
In some cases the inflammation can be severe. You may have to be on bed rest or restricted activity for a period of time.
It is important to treat strep throat with antibiotics promptly. This will help to prevent rheumatic fever. If you or your child has a sore throat and a fever that lasts more than 24 hours, contact your doctor.
RESOURCES:
American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org/
National Library of Medicine
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
http://ww2.heartandstroke.ca/
References:
American Heart Association website. Available at: http://www.americanheart.org .
Mayo Clinic and Foundation for Medical Education and Research website. Available at: http://www.mayo.edu/ .
The Merck Manual of Medical Information—Home Edition . Merck Research Laboratories; 1999.
Nausieda PA, Grossman BJ, Koller WC: Sydenham chorea: an update. Neurology . 1980;30:331-334.
Robertson KA, Volmink JA, Mayosi BM. Antibiotics for the primary prevention of acute rheumatic fever. BMC Cardiovasc Disorders . 2005; 5:11.
Spagnuolo M, Pasternack B, Taranta A. Risk of rheumatic fever recurrences after streptococcal infections: prospective study of clinical and social factors. N Engl J Med . 1971;285:641-647.
University of Michigan Medical Center website. Available at: http://www.med.umich.edu/ .
Last reviewed January 2009 by Jill D. Landis, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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