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Rheumatic Fever

Medical Questions » Rheumatic Fever
Name: Rheumatic Fever
Also known as:
A damaging inflammation of the heart valves that was common before antibiotics were readily available, but is now rare in developed countries.
Causes of Rheumatic Fever
Follows some types of bacterial infections.
Symptoms of Rheumatic Fever
Patients have two or more of a number of widely different symptoms, so every case is completely different. Symptoms include inflammation of the heart and its valves, a rapid pulse, irregular heart beat, irregular shaped red patches and rings on the skin, chorea (uncontrolled twitching of the arms, legs and face), fever, and arthritis that moves from one large joint to another.
Tests for Rheumatic Fever
Diagnosis confirmed by blood tests, and an electrocardiogram (ECG).
Treatment for Rheumatic Fever
Antibiotics (commonly penicillin) to remove any remaining bacterial infection, aspirin to reduce fever and joint pains, and strict bed rest for several weeks or months.
Complications of Rheumatic Fever of its treatment
In 70% of patients causes permanent damage to heart valves which leak and fail in later life, and are susceptible to infection (endocarditis). All patients who have had rheumatic fever must take antibiotics whenever they have any dental treatment or operation.
Likely Outcome of Rheumatic Fever
Usually lasts a few weeks to months, with children taking far longer to recover than adults. A significant number of patients have recurrences for years afterwards. 98% of patients recover from the first attack, but multiple repeat attacks may lead to death from heart damage.
       
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