Rheumatic Fever Caused by Streptococcus; Cause and Mechanism, Onset and Risk Factors, Treatment скачать в хорошем качестве

Rheumatic Fever Caused by Streptococcus; Cause and Mechanism, Onset and Risk Factors, Treatment

Rheumatic Fever is a serious inflammatory disease that can develop as a complication of untreated or inadequately treated Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infections, particularly strep throat and scarlet fever. It is most common in children aged 5–15 years, especially in areas with limited access to healthcare. 🦠 Cause and Pathophysiology Triggered by Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus) Occurs 1–5 weeks after a strep infection Caused by an autoimmune reaction: the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues (heart, joints, brain, and skin) due to molecular mimicry between streptococcal antigens and human tissues ⚠️ Key Symptoms of Rheumatic Fever System Affected Symptoms Joints Migratory arthritis (pain and swelling that moves from joint to joint) Heart Carditis (inflammation of heart valves, myocardium, or pericardium); chest pain, murmur, heart failure Skin Erythema marginatum (pink rings with clear centers), subcutaneous nodules Brain Sydenham chorea (jerky, involuntary movements, emotional instability) General Fever, fatigue, nosebleeds 🩺 Diagnosis Based on Jones Criteria (revised by the American Heart Association) Requires evidence of recent streptococcal infection (e.g., positive throat culture or elevated ASO titers) Major criteria: carditis, arthritis, chorea, skin rash, nodules Minor criteria: fever, elevated ESR/CRP, prolonged PR interval on ECG 💊 Treatment and Management Antibiotics: Penicillin or amoxicillin to eradicate residual streptococcal infection Anti-inflammatory therapy: Aspirin or corticosteroids for joint and heart inflammation Supportive care: Bed rest, cardiac monitoring Long-term prophylaxis: Monthly intramuscular penicillin to prevent recurrence (often for 5–10 years or until adulthood) 🛡️ Complications Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD): Permanent damage to heart valves, leading to heart failure or need for valve surgery Recurrence: More likely in individuals with previous episodes if exposed to GAS again 🌍 Global Impact Still prevalent in low- and middle-income countries Major cause of acquired heart disease in children and young adults in endemic regions #RheumaticFever