What tests are needed for rheumatic fever?

Written by Yang Ya Meng

Rheumatology

Updated on September 16, 2024

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The examinations for rheumatic fever include laboratory tests and electrocardiograms, as well as imaging studies. Laboratory tests include indicators of streptococcal infection, commonly using throat swab bacterial cultures, which have a positivity rate of about 20% to 25%. They also include anti-streptolysin O tests, generally considered positive if the titer is above 1:400. Secondly, the tests include those for acute inflammatory response, common markers of which are elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Electrocardiograms help in detecting various arrhythmias, such as sinus tachycardia and prolonged PR interval. Echocardiography can be used to detect any abnormalities in the mitral valve of the heart.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng

Rheumatology

1min 2sec

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Difference between Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatoid Arthritis

The key difference between rheumatic fever and rheumatoid arthritis primarily lies in the fact that patients with rheumatic fever, besides exhibiting symptoms such as joint pain, also develop cardiac and dermatological manifestations. Patients with rheumatic fever may experience mitral stenosis and symptoms like erythema on the skin. Moreover, the examination of antibodies in rheumatic fever patients mainly shows an elevation in anti-streptolysin O antibody. In contrast, patients with rheumatoid arthritis typically display elevated rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies, and anti-AKA antibodies, and they seldom have skin or cardiac manifestations. Therefore, to differentiate rheumatic fever from rheumatoid arthritis, one can test for anti-streptolysin O and rheumatoid factor, and further conduct an echocardiogram to determine any cardiac involvement.

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Written by Li Jing

Rheumatology

1min 14sec

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Does rheumatic fever spread?

Firstly, rheumatic fever is a group of delayed sequelae caused by an infection of Group A Streptococci, simply put, it refers to a type of reactive arthritis that appears after an upper respiratory tract infection. It is associated with this streptococcus, and mostly occurs during the cold and humid seasons of winter and spring. It can affect people of any age, but is most commonly seen in children aged 5-14 and adolescents. Therefore, it is not a contagious disease, but rather a set of symptoms, such as fever and joint pain, appearing in individuals with weakened immune systems following an upper respiratory tract infection. Some people may even experience valvular heart disease. However, if treated actively in the early stages, the disease usually does not lead to any long-term consequences, unless it goes untreated or is treated under poor medical conditions, which may then result in rheumatic arthritis and rheumatic heart disease.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng

Rheumatology

44sec

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How long will it take for rheumatic fever rash to heal?

Rheumatic fever rash generally improves after seven to ten days of treatment, but this is contingent upon completing a full course of antibiotics. This is because the rash is induced by a streptococcal infection. Therefore, to control the infection by streptococcus, the rash will begin to improve. Moreover, if the rash does not subside over time, it may also be considered to strengthen anti-inflammatory treatment with glucocorticoids and anti-allergy treatments to reduce the rash. Additionally, medications like loratadine dispersible tablets and compound glycyrrhizin can be added to help reduce the occurrence of rheumatic fever rash and accelerate its resolution.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng

Rheumatology

55sec

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The difference between rheumatic fever and rheumatoid arthritis

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis primarily exhibit symmetrical swelling and pain in the small joints of both hands as the main clinical manifestations, with rarely any involvement of visceral organs. Blood tests can show elevated inflammatory markers, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein, as well as positive rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies, and AK antibodies. These indicators can be considered as diagnostic for rheumatoid arthritis. Patients with rheumatic fever, in addition to joint pain, often have cardiac complications, such as mitral stenosis or chorea-like symptoms. The main difference between rheumatic fever and internal rheumatism is that patients with rheumatic fever often have cardiac complications.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng

Rheumatology

52sec

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What foods should not be eaten with rheumatic fever?

Patients with rheumatoid fever should avoid the following three major categories of foods: The first category is vegetables, such as celery, coriander, leeks, seaweed, and mushrooms, which should be consumed in moderation. The second category includes meats like lamb, beef, and dog meat, which are very warming and nourishing and should be reduced in consumption. The third category includes seafood such as shrimp, crab, and sea cucumber, which are high in protein and should also be avoided. For patients with rheumatism, the general dietary principle is to follow a light diet, avoid spicy and dry-heat foods, and reduce greasy foods. For patients with rheumatic fever, it is particularly important during the acute phase to rest and avoid catching colds and infections.