Rheumatic fever (complication of strep infection)

Description An inflammatory dis...

Description

An inflammatory disease that may develop after an inadequately treated infection with Group A Streptococcus bacterial infection (such as strep throat or scarlet fever). The disease can affect the heart, joints, skin, and brain. If untreated, the heart valves can be permanently damaged, leading to heart failure. The exact cause is not known but is thought to occur from an abnormal reaction by the immune system causing the body to attack its own organs. It is uncommon in the United States but is frequently found in developing countries. The disease is most commonly seen in 5-15 year olds but can affect adults as well.

Symptoms

Symptoms may depend on the severity of the disease and the body parts affected, which may include fever, painful and tender joints, warm and red joints, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, fatigue and shortness of breath.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed with a close examination of the heart, skin, and joints. A history of a recent strep infection is suggestive of the disease. Additional lab tests may include: blood test for recurrent strep infection (ASO test), CBC (complete blood count), EKG (electrocardiogram), and sedimentation rate (ESR).

Tests:
Electrocardiogram (EKG), Urinalysis (UA), Ultrasound, X-ray

Other Specific Tests: antistreptolysin-O test (ASO), ESR

Specialists:
Pediatrics, Infectious Disease Medicine

Treatment

If you are diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever you will be treated with antibiotics. Anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or corticosteroids reduce inflammation are beneficial. You may have to take low doses of antibiotics (such as penicillin, sulfadiazine, or erythromycin) over the long term to prevent repeat attacks of rheumatic fever. To prevent the disease, it is important to finish all of the prescribed antibiotics for a strep infection.