Rheumatic fever

usu due to grp A B-haemolytic streptococcal inf.

it cos permanent damage to the heart valve..

to diagnose, first confirm whether the inf is d2 the streptococcal inf...

- +ve throat swab

- ASOT (anti-streptococcal antibody titre) high

- rapid streptococcal antigen test

- recent scarlet fever

then, Jones Criteria.. 2majors or 1major + 1minor criteria

major criteria

- carditis

- arthritis

- subcutaneous nodules (at extensor parts of jts n spine)

- erythema marginatum (geographical, raised edges, clear centre)

- Sydenham chorea

minor criteria

- fever

- arthalgia

- prolong PR interval (in ECG)

- Increase ESR or CRP

- previous rheumatic fever