TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Acute Rheumatic Fever A1 - Fulton, David R. A2 - Zaoutis, Lisa B. A2 - Chiang, Vincent W. Y1 - 2017 N1 - T2 - Comprehensive Pediatric Hospital Medicine, 2e AB - Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is an inflammatory condition manifested by the nonsuppurative sequelae of a preceding group A β-hemolytic streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. ARF involves the heart, central nervous system, joints, and skin and is the most common cause of acquired heart disease in many regions of the world. Historically, the relationship between streptococci and rheumatic fever was not evident; however, investigation over the past several decades has shown that only GAS infections are associated with ARF. Diagnosis of the disease relies on the identification of major and minor criteria that include clinical observations and laboratory data, an approach that has been modified occasionally since its introduction in 1944 by Jones.1 The greatest impact of the illness lies in its potential to cause progressive valvular heart disease, which is more likely with recurrent episodes of ARF. Antibiotic prophylaxis is therefore important to minimize the likelihood of recurrent GAS pharyngitis. SN - PB - McGraw-Hill Education CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/04/24 UR - accesspediatrics.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1146115501 ER -