Rhematic Fever Flashcards
(98 cards)
What is rheumatic fever?
An autoimmune inflammatory disease affecting the heart, joints, CNS, skin, and subcutaneous tissues.
What causes rheumatic fever?
A delayed immune response to Group A streptococcal infection.
What is the latent period for rheumatic fever?
2-4 weeks after streptococcal infection.
What age group is most affected by rheumatic fever?
5-15 years.
Is rheumatic fever more common in boys or girls?
Equal, but chorea is more common in girls.
What is the role of molecular mimicry in rheumatic fever?
Antibodies against streptococcal antigens cross-react with human tissue antigens.
What are Aschoff nodules?
Proliferative lesions in rheumatic fever that heal by fibrosis.
What is the most common cardiac manifestation of rheumatic fever?
Carditis.
What is the characteristic rash in rheumatic fever?
Erythema marginatum.
What are subcutaneous nodules in rheumatic fever?
Painless, hard nodules over bony prominences.
What is Sydenham’s chorea?
A neurological manifestation of rheumatic fever characterized by involuntary movements.
What is the Jones Criteria?
Diagnostic criteria for rheumatic fever including major and minor manifestations.
What laboratory tests are used to diagnose rheumatic fever?
ASO titers, CRP, ESR.
What is the first-line treatment for rheumatic fever?
Penicillin to eradicate streptococcal infection.
What anti-inflammatory medications are used in rheumatic fever?
Aspirin and corticosteroids.
What is the primary prevention for rheumatic fever?
Prompt treatment of streptococcal infections.
What is secondary prevention for rheumatic fever?
Prophylactic antibiotics to prevent recurrence.
What is the most serious complication of rheumatic fever?
Chronic rheumatic heart disease.
What is the prognosis for rheumatic fever?
Good with early treatment, but risk of chronic heart disease with recurrence.
What is the role of echocardiography in rheumatic fever?
To detect subclinical carditis.
What is the difference between rheumatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatic arthritis affects large joints, is migratory, and does not cause deformity.
What is the significance of a functional murmur in children?
It is usually benign and not associated with structural abnormalities.
What is the treatment for Sydenham’s chorea?
Haloperidol or valproic acid, along with anti-inflammatory treatment.
What is the role of corticosteroids in rheumatic fever?
Used in severe carditis to reduce inflammation.