Fifteen-minute consultation: rheumatic fever

Abstract

A focused history and examination is key to establish the cause and draw a management plan for rheumatic fever.

Sore knee – why and when to call a cardiologist

“…Up to 50% of children affected with ARF will develop carditis, which can result in RHD long-term health implications. The most commonly affected valve is the mitral valve (60%–70% of cases) 19…”

“…Children with a confirmed diagnosis should have long-term follow-up by cardiology as they are at risk of cardiac complications in later life, including heart failure, atrial fibrillation, infective endocarditis and the need for valve replacement 19…”

“…The patient and her mother did not initially over a history of recent throat infection, but on reflection she had had a coryzal illness 4 weeks prior to being admitted with joint pain. It is likely (given her raised ASOT19) that this was a preceding streptococcal throat infection. The intravenous antibiotics the patient was on may have treated an acute throat infection (depending on sensitivities); however, they would not be expected to prevent the inflammatory cascade from the ARF.…”