Modern Criteria for The Diagnosis of Rheumatic Fever

Rheumatic fever is diagnosed based on a set of criteria that combine clinical findings, laboratory tests, and evidence of antecedent streptococcal infection. Below are the modern criteria for diagnosing rheumatic fever, organized in both text and table formats for clarity:

Text Format

Diagnosis of Rheumatic Fever:

1. Revised Jones Criteria (2015):

   Major Criteria:

   - Carditis

   - Polyarthritis

   - Chorea

   - Erythema marginatum

   - Subcutaneous nodules

   Minor Criteria:

   - Fever

   - Arthralgia

   - Elevated acute phase reactants (ESR, CRP)

   - Prolonged PR interval

   Laboratory Evidence of Streptococcal Infection:

   - Positive throat culture for group A streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) or rapid streptococcal antigen test

   - Elevated or rising streptococcal antibody titres (anti-streptolysin O, anti-DNase B)

2. Additional Criteria for Diagnosis:

   - Evidence of antecedent streptococcal infection (throat culture, rapid antigen test, or elevated streptococcal antibody titres)

   - Fulfilment of two major criteria, or one major and two minor criteria, plus evidence of antecedent streptococcal infection

Table Format

Diagnosis Confirmation:

- Diagnosis Confirmation: Fulfilment of two major criteria, or one major and two minor criteria, plus evidence of antecedent streptococcal infection.

- Treatment: Antibiotics to eradicate streptococcal infection and prevent recurrent rheumatic fever.

These criteria help clinicians diagnose and manage rheumatic fever, aiming to prevent further cardiac complications through prompt treatment and follow-up care. If you have any more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask!