DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15308418
title: Acute rheumatic fever in children

description: Title: Acute Rheumatic Fever in Children: A Comprehensive Review

Submitted to Muktarali kyzy begimai by Rutuja Sonar of Group 32

 

Abstract Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) remains a significant public health issue, especially in developing countries. It is a delayed autoimmune response to group A Streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis, predominantly affecting children aged 5 to 15 years. This article provides a comprehensive review of ARF in children, including its epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic criteria, management strategies, and preventive measures.

 

1. Introduction Acute rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can develop as a complication of untreated or inadequately treated streptococcal throat infections. Despite improvements in healthcare, ARF continues to cause significant morbidity in children, particularly in low-resource settings. Understanding the disease’s etiology, clinical course, and treatment is crucial for reducing its impact.

 

2. Epidemiology ARF predominantly affects children and adolescents aged 5 to 15 years, with a peak incidence in low- and middle-income countries. The incidence has declined significantly in developed countries due to improved living conditions and widespread use of antibiotics. However, in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Pacific Islands, ARF and its sequela, rheumatic heart disease (RHD), remain leading causes of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in children.

 

3. Etiology and Pathogenesis ARF is an autoimmune response triggered by infection with GAS. Molecular mimicry between streptococcal antigens and human tissues, particularly the heart, joints, skin, and central nervous system, leads to an inflammatory reaction. The M protein of GAS is a key antigen implicated in the pathogenesis.

 

The pathophysiological process involves:

Immune response activation

Cross-reactivity of antibodies with host tissues

Inflammatory damage to organs, especially the heart (pancarditis)

 

4. Clinical Manifestations The clinical features of ARF vary and are categorized into major and minor manifestations based on the revised Jones Criteria.

 

4.1 Major Criteria:

Carditis: May involve endocarditis, myocarditis, and pericarditis; manifests as new murmur, heart failure, or cardiomegaly

Polyarthritis: Migratory inflammation of large joints

Chorea (Sydenham’s chorea): Neurological disorder with involuntary movements

Erythema marginatum: Non-pruritic rash with ring-like appearance

Subcutaneous nodules: Painless, firm collections over bony prominences

 

 

4.2 Minor Criteria:

Fever

Arthralgia

Elevated acute-phase reactants (ESR, CRP)

Prolonged PR interval on ECG

 

5. Diagnosis Diagnosis is clinical and supported by laboratory findings. The revised Jones Criteria are used, requiring evidence of preceding GAS infection plus:

Two major criteria, or

One major and two minor criteria

 

5.1 Evidence of GAS Infection:

Positive throat culture

Rapid antigen detection test

Elevated or rising antistreptolysin O (ASO) titer

 

6. Investigations

Throat swab for GAS

Blood tests: ESR, CRP, ASO titer

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Echocardiography (ECHO): For assessing valvular damage

 

7. Management The treatment of ARF includes eradication of GAS, anti-inflammatory therapy, and management of complications.

 

7.1 Eradication of GAS:

Penicillin is the antibiotic of choice

Alternatives: Azithromycin, erythromycin (for penicillin-allergic patients)

 

7.2 Anti-inflammatory Treatment:

Aspirin: For arthritis and fever

Corticosteroids: For severe carditis

 

7.3 Management of Chorea:

Valproic acid or carbamazepine for symptom control

 

7.4 Heart Failure Management:

Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and other heart failure medications

 

8. Prevention 8.1 Primary Prevention:

Prompt identification and treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis

 

8.2 Secondary Prevention:

Long-term antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent recurrent ARF and progression to RHD

Benzathine penicillin G every 3–4 weeks is standard

 

9. Complications

Chronic rheumatic heart disease

Persistent valvular dysfunction

Heart failure

Recurrence of ARF with further GAS infections

 

10. Prognosis The prognosis depends on the severity of initial carditis and adherence to secondary prophylaxis. Early diagnosis and appropriate management significantly improve outcomes.

 

11. Public Health Considerations Control of ARF requires coordinated public health strategies, including:

Education on early diagnosis and treatment

Improving access to antibiotics

Routine screening and echocardiography in endemic areas

 

12. Recent Advances and Research

Development of GAS vaccines

Genetic studies exploring susceptibility

Improved echocardiographic techniques for early detection of subclinical carditis

 

13. Conclusion ARF remains a critical pediatric health issue, especially in resource-limited settings. Enhanced awareness, timely diagnosis, appropriate management, and sustained prevention strategies are essential to combat this preventable disease.

 

References [A comprehensive list of up-to-date academic and clinical sources would be included here, such as WHO guidelines, CDC recommendations, and peer-reviewed journal articles on ARF.]

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