Rheumatological Care for Rheumatic Fever at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City
Overview of Rheumatic Fever
Rheumatic fever is a serious inflammatory condition that arises as a complication of untreated or inadequately treated infections caused by
Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus), typically following strep throat or scarlet fever. This condition can affect various parts of the body, including the joints, heart, skin, and central nervous system. It predominantly affects children aged 5 to 15, but can also occur in younger children and adults. The symptoms usually manifest two to four weeks after the initial infection and can include fever, joint pain, swelling, and skin rashes.
Symptoms of Rheumatic Fever
The clinical presentation of rheumatic fever is diverse and can include:
- Joint Inflammation: Often affecting the knees, ankles, elbows, and wrists, leading to swelling and tenderness.
- Fever: A common symptom that may accompany other manifestations.
- Skin Rash: Characterized by a flat or slightly raised appearance with ragged edges.
- Sydenham Chorea: A neurological condition resulting in involuntary jerky movements, particularly in the hands and face.
- Subcutaneous Nodules: Painless bumps that may appear under the skin.
Diagnosis of Rheumatic Fever
Diagnosis is based on a combination of medical history, physical examination, and specific laboratory tests. Key diagnostic tools include:
- Blood Tests: To detect inflammation markers and previous strep infections.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): To assess heart rhythm and detect any abnormalities.
- Echocardiogram: To visualize heart function and structure.
Treatment Options
The management of rheumatic fever at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City focuses on three primary goals:
- Eradication of Infection: Antibiotics are prescribed to eliminate the strep bacteria. This is crucial even if initial tests do not confirm an active infection.
- Symptom Relief: Anti-inflammatory medications are used to reduce joint pain and inflammation in the heart muscle.
- Preventing Recurrence: Long-term antibiotic therapy may be necessary to prevent future episodes of rheumatic fever, especially in patients with a history of heart involvement.
Importance of Ongoing Care
Continuous follow-up care is essential for children diagnosed with rheumatic fever. Regular health check-ups help monitor potential long-term complications such as rheumatic heart disease (RHD), which can result from cumulative damage to the heart valves due to recurrent episodes of rheumatic fever.
Pediatric Rheumatology Division at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City
The Pediatric Rheumatology Division at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City is dedicated to enhancing the health and quality of life for children affected by rheumatic diseases. The division offers comprehensive care that includes:
- Patient-Centered Treatment Plans: Tailored approaches based on individual patient needs.
- Family Education Programs: Providing families with essential information about managing rheumatic conditions.
- Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration: Engaging specialists across various fields to ensure holistic care for patients.
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and intervention in managing rheumatic fever. Through a comprehensive approach that includes effective treatment strategies and ongoing care, the Pediatric Rheumatology Division aims to mitigate the impact of this condition on children's health and well-being.
Why choose SSMC?
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Pediatric Rheumatology
Our Division of Pediatric Rheumatology is led by experienced consultants who specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases in children. We take a comprehensive, patient-centered approach, working closely with a multidisciplinary team of experts to provide the highest quality care.
State-of-the-Art Technology and Innovative Treatments
SSMC is equipped with advanced technology and offers unique treatment options for pediatric rheumatology patients:
Specialized Procedures
- Intra-articular Injections: We administer intra-articular triamcinolone hexacetonide injections, a long-acting steroid, to treat joint inflammation in children. These injections can be performed in our clinic or under general anesthesia, depending on the child's needs.
- Day Care Infusions: We provide day care infusion services for a variety of treatments, including intravenous steroids, biologics, chemotherapy, rituximab, IVIG, and bisphosphonates. These treatments are tailored to each child's specific condition and administered under the supervision of our experienced team.
Comprehensive Diagnostic Services
- Recurrent Fever Syndrome Evaluation: We offer thorough assessments to identify the underlying causes of recurrent fever syndrome in children. Our team utilizes advanced diagnostic tools and techniques to accurately diagnose and manage this complex condition.
By combining expert care, cutting-edge technology, and a patient-centered approach, SSMC is committed to providing the best possible outcomes for children with pediatric rheumatic diseases
