Acute Rheumatic Fever

Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) is an inflammatory disease that can occur following inadequately treated or untreated streptococcal throat infections, particularly those caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. Primarily affecting children and adolescents, ARF is characterized by inflammation of various parts of the body, including the heart, joints, skin, and central nervous system. The hallmark feature of ARF is its potential to cause rheumatic heart disease (RHD), a chronic condition that results from repeated episodes of ARF. Carditis, an inflammation of the heart, is a significant component of ARF and can lead to valvular damage, particularly involving the mitral valve. Symptoms of ARF include joint pain, fever, skin rash (erythema marginatum), and neurological manifestations such as Sydenham's chorea. Diagnosis of ARF involves clinical evaluation and the Jones criteria, which consider specific clinical and laboratory findings. Treatment includes antibiotics to eradicate the streptococcal infection and anti-inflammatory medications to manage symptoms and reduce inflammation. Long-term secondary prophylaxis with antibiotics is essential to prevent recurrent episodes and subsequent development of RHD.

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