Seri Kuliah S1 - Demam Rematik Akut

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on acute rheumatic fever, based on a lecture from the video "Seri Kuliah S1 - Demam Rematik Akut" by Risalina Myrtha. The information is derived from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other academic papers, making it a valuable resource for students and healthcare professionals looking to understand this condition.

Step 1: Understanding Acute Rheumatic Fever

• Definition: Acute rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can develop after a streptococcal throat infection.
• Causes: It is primarily caused by a reaction of the immune system to the Group A Streptococcus bacteria.
• Symptoms: Recognizing symptoms early is crucial. Common symptoms include:
  • Fever
  • Joint pain or swelling
  • Skin rash
  • Heart murmur

Step 2: Recognizing Risk Factors

• Age: Most commonly affects children aged 5 to 15 years.
• Previous Infections: A history of rheumatic fever increases the risk of recurrence.
• Socioeconomic Factors: Poor living conditions can contribute to higher incidence rates.

Step 3: Diagnosis of Acute Rheumatic Fever

• Clinical Criteria: Use the Jones criteria, which include:
  • Evidence of a recent streptococcal infection
  • Major criteria: carditis, polyarthritis, chorea, erythema marginatum, subcutaneous nodules
  • Minor criteria: fever, arthralgia, elevated acute phase reactants
• Laboratory Tests: Perform throat cultures or rapid antigen tests to confirm streptococcal infection.

Step 4: Treatment Options

• Antibiotics: Penicillin is the first-line treatment to eradicate the streptococcus bacteria.
• Anti-inflammatory Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce inflammation and pain.
• Corticosteroids: In cases of severe carditis, corticosteroids may be prescribed.

Step 5: Prevention of Recurrence

• Long-term Antibiotic Prophylaxis: Continuous antibiotic treatment is essential to prevent recurrence, especially in high-risk patients.
• Public Health Education: Raising awareness about the importance of treating streptococcal infections promptly can help reduce incidence.

Conclusion

Acute rheumatic fever is a serious condition that can lead to long-term health issues if not managed properly. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent complications. For further reading and in-depth understanding, refer to the primary WHO material available here. Understanding this condition is vital for healthcare practitioners and can significantly impact patient outcomes.