Is the rheumatoid factor high in rheumatic fever?

Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
Updated on September 23, 2024
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Patients with rheumatic fever often do not have elevated rheumatoid factor levels, as rheumatic fever primarily follows a streptococcal infection. There is typically an increase in anti-streptolysin O antibodies, while rheumatoid factors are often negative. In addition to elevated anti-streptolysin O, patients with rheumatic fever may also experience valvular heart disease, most commonly mitral stenosis. Some patients may present with skin erythema and symptoms similar to chorea, which leads us to consider the possibility of rheumatic fever. The treatment of rheumatic fever primarily involves regular antibiotic therapy and continued administration of intramuscular benzathine penicillin for a period of time. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Symptoms of recurrent rheumatic fever

Symptoms of recurrent rheumatic fever in the early stages may include fever and sore throat, similar to streptococcal infections. Later, patients may experience joint pain, some may develop ring-shaped erythema on the skin, and others may develop subcutaneous nodules. Severe cases may even exhibit symptoms such as carditis and chorea. If a previous rheumatic fever patient shows these symptoms, the possibility of recurrence should be considered. Treatment involves using antibiotics to eliminate streptococcal infections. Additionally, anti-inflammatory pain relievers should be used to manage joint pain. In severe cases, such as those with cardiac inflammation, corticosteroids may also be considered. (Please use medication under the guidance of a physician.)

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home-news-image
Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
53sec home-news-image

Is the rheumatoid factor high in rheumatic fever?

Patients with rheumatic fever often do not have elevated rheumatoid factor levels, as rheumatic fever primarily follows a streptococcal infection. There is typically an increase in anti-streptolysin O antibodies, while rheumatoid factors are often negative. In addition to elevated anti-streptolysin O, patients with rheumatic fever may also experience valvular heart disease, most commonly mitral stenosis. Some patients may present with skin erythema and symptoms similar to chorea, which leads us to consider the possibility of rheumatic fever. The treatment of rheumatic fever primarily involves regular antibiotic therapy and continued administration of intramuscular benzathine penicillin for a period of time. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
1min 14sec home-news-image

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 Li Jing
Rheumatology
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What are the symptoms of rheumatic fever?

Rheumatic fever is a delayed, non-suppurative sequelae caused by a streptococcus infection. It primarily presents as arthritis, heart valve disease, chorea, subcutaneous nodules, and erythema, and some cases also exhibit fever. It mainly occurs in adolescents and children aged 5 to 14. It is primarily related to symptoms that appear after an upper respiratory tract streptococcus infection. If the individual has good resistance, symptoms may only resemble those of a cold, such as sore throat, runny nose, and fever, and these symptoms can be relieved after anti-infection treatment without any residual sequelae. However, people with weaker resistance may develop these sequelae after an upper respiratory tract infection, including joint pain and heart valve disease. Therefore, it is crucial to receive proper treatment during the acute phase to prevent any lasting sequelae.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Treatment of rheumatic fever with aspirin

Patients with rheumatic fever use aspirin primarily for its anti-inflammatory effects to reduce the inflammatory response. Aspirin also has analgesic properties that can be used to treat symptoms like joint pain associated with rheumatic fever. However, it is crucial to monitor patients taking aspirin for any gastrointestinal reactions, such as stomach pain or black stools. During the use of aspirin, it's important to be vigilant about these gastrointestinal symptoms. Additionally, medications that protect the stomach, such as pantoprazole which reduces stomach acid, can be used to prevent the side effects of aspirin. (Use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)