What is rheumatic fever?

Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can develop as a complication of untreated or inadequately treated streptococcal throat infection, specifically with Group A Streptococcus bacteria. It primarily affects children and adolescents, but it can also occur in adults. Rheumatic fever can lead to inflammation in various parts of the body, particularly the heart, joints, skin, and central nervous system.


Key features of rheumatic fever include:

  • Strep Throat Connection: Rheumatic fever typically follows an untreated or poorly treated infection with Group A Streptococcus, which causes strep throat. Not everyone who has strep throat will develop rheumatic fever.
  • Autoimmune Response: The body's immune system, in response to the streptococcal infection, can mistakenly attack its own tissues, leading to inflammation and damage in various organs.

Symptoms and Manifestations:

  • Carditis: Inflammation of the heart, including the heart valves (rheumatic heart disease).
  • Arthritis: Inflammation of the joints, causing pain and swelling.
  • Skin Rash: A characteristic rash called erythema marginatum may develop.
  • Subcutaneous Nodules: Painful lumps under the skin.
  • Sydenham's Chorea: Involuntary jerky movements, often of the face and hands.
  • Diagnosis: Diagnosis is based on clinical criteria, including a history of strep throat infection, the presence of specific symptoms, and laboratory tests.

Treatment:

Prompt and effective treatment of strep throat with antibiotics is crucial to prevent the development of rheumatic fever.

Treatment during the acute phase of rheumatic fever typically involves anti-inflammatory medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids, to manage symptoms and reduce inflammation.

Long-Term Complications: Rheumatic fever can lead to chronic complications, particularly rheumatic heart disease, which involves permanent damage to the heart valves. This can result in heart murmurs, heart failure, and other cardiac issues.


Prevention: The primary prevention of rheumatic fever involves timely and adequate treatment of streptococcal infections with antibiotics, such as penicillin or other suitable alternatives.


It's important to note that rheumatic fever is relatively rare in developed countries where prompt and effective treatment of strep throat is common.