Rheumatic Fever

Basics

Description

  • Acute inflammatory complication of group A streptococcal (GAS); usually pharyngitis
  • Diagnosed based on a constellation of symptoms and signs (revised Jones criteria)
  • Uncommon in the US; higher incidence in underdeveloped/resource-poor areas. Especially prevalent among aboriginal or native populations
  • Worldwide there are 39 million cases of rheumatic heart disease
  • Results in 300,000 deaths annually
  • Incidence is likely underestimated due to underreporting and missed diagnosis
  • Most common in children aged 5–15 yr old

Etiology

  • Autoimmune response following GAS infection attacking connective tissue

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