What other Conditions or Diseases can Mimic Rheumatic Fever ?

Differential Diagnosis of Rheumatic fever 

• Arthritis consider:
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (including Still's disease in children)
  • Henoch-Schonlein purpura
  • Reactive arthritis
  • Erythema nodosum
• Heart disease consider:
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Kawasaki disease
  • Infective endocarditis
• Rash (erythema marginatum) consider:
  • Drug reactions
  • Lyme disease
• Chorea consider:
  • Drug reactions (especially in young people) to:
    metoclopramide, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, haloperidol or amitriptyline.
  • Huntington's chorea. This does not usually present until at least 30 (peak age 35-45).
  • Chorea gravidarum may occur in pregnancy.
  • Wilson disease

Can my child develop rheumatic fever again after the first attack? ?

Yes, although the chances are reduced because of the use of prophylactic antibiotics after the initial disease process. The greatest chance of recurrence is during the first three years. The chance of developing the disease again decreases with age and time since the first attack.

After having rheumatic fever, your child will need prophylactic medications  to help decrease the chance of developing rheumatic fever again.(Daily Oral penicillin or Long acting Penicillin injections every 3 weeks). The duration of prophylactic medications depend on the severity of initial attack and will be decided by your doctor.