Rheumatic Fever

Rheumatic fever is a specific type of reactive arthritis that reacts to group A Streptococcus bacteria that causes strep throat. This inflammatory condition is the body's response to having had a strep infection. Though many people believe that rheumatic fever is a condition of the past, there are still many documented cases of this condition each year.

Symptoms of rheumatic fever include:

Arthritis (true inflammation of the joint linings causing swelling and pain)
Carditis (inflammation of the heart muscles, valves or the lining tissue around the heart)
Chorea (involuntary, dance-like movements of the hands)
Rash
Nodules (bumps) on the skin

Diagnosis of Rheumatic Fever

To diagnose rheumatic fever, your child’s rheumatologist will verify that your child has previously had strep throat. The doctor can do this by reviewing your child’s medical records for a positive strep test or by running a blood test to look for antibodies related to strep throat.

Your child’s doctor may also run one or more of the following tests to diagnosis rheumatic fever:

Electrocardiogram (EKG). Your child’s doctor can run an EKG to check for heart disease that can be associated with rheumatic fever. An EKG is a noninvasive test that measures the electrical impulses that are made when the heart beats. An abnormal heartbeat pattern may indicate rheumatic heart disease.
Complete blood count (CBC). Your child’s doctor may order a CBC to make sure there is no other condition that could be mimicking the symptoms of rheumatic fever.
Neurologic exam. If your child is showing signs of chorea (involuntary hand movements) as a symptom of rheumatic fever, a neurologist may evaluate that related neurologic condition.

Of the above symptoms, it is most important for the carditis to be treated as soon as possible to avoid damage to the heart and heart valves. Pediatric rheumatologists are experienced in diagnosing rheumatic fever so treatment can begin quickly.

Treatments

The joint problems associated with rheumatic fever will often go away without treatment. However, to avoid long-term damage to the heart, it is important that you and your child follow the pediatric rheumatologist’s treatment plan.

Your child’s doctor will likely prescribe the following to treat rheumatic fever:

Anti-inflammatory medicines. These medicines will help reduce swelling and inflammation related to rheumatic fever. This is especially important in controlling inflammation in and around the heart.
Antibiotics. It is important that your child take his or her prescribed antibiotic medicines to remove any remaining strep bacteria in his or her body. Depending on how severe the condition is, your child’s doctor may continue to prescribe rounds of antibiotics for many years as a preventive measure.

Your child’s rheumatologist will likely recommend a follow-up care plan to monitor your child’s heart and make sure the rheumatic fever has not caused any long-term damage. It is important that you and your child follow this plan.

Key Points to Remember

Despite popular belief to the contrary, rheumatic fever still occurs in patients today.
The most serious symptom of rheumatic fever is inflammation in and around the heart, which can lead to damage of the heart valves if left untreated.
Your child’s rheumatologist will prescribe antibiotic and anti-inflammatory medicines to treat rheumatic fever.
Your child will likely need follow-up care to make sure the rheumatic fever has not caused long-term damage.

Support Services & Resources

Visit the trusted websites below to learn more about rheumatic fever.

Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.

Learn More About Riley Support Services

Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation shares information about rheumatic fever self-care.

World Heart Federation

The World Heart Federation provides detailed information, as well as patient resources and support, about rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.

Locations

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