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Related Concept Videos

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management01:21

Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...
Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management01:20

Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management

AssessmentA comprehensive assessment is essential in managing a patient with rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Begin with obtaining a detailed medical history, including recent streptococcal infections, a history of rheumatic fever, or previously diagnosed rheumatic heart disease. Assess the patient for symptoms such as fever, chest pain, widespread joint pain (arthralgia), tachycardia, pericardial friction rub, muffled heart sounds, heart murmurs, peripheral edema, subcutaneous nodules, and...
Rh Blood Group01:19

Rh Blood Group

The Rhesus (Rh) antigen is crucial in determining blood groups and ensuring compatibility during blood transfusions.
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics01:23

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics

Respiratory symptoms, such as congestion and cough, commonly accompany respiratory tract conditions. Various medications, such as antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics, play crucial roles in providing relief.
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla.  Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by anesthetizing...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain
04:50

Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain

Published on: May 16, 2025

Rheumatic diseases and pregnancy.

Elisabeth Märker-Hermann1, Rebecca Fischer-Betz

  • 1Klinik Innere Medizin IV (Rheumatologie, klinische Immunologie, Nephrologie), HSK Dr Horst Schmidt Klinik, Wiesbaden, Germany. Elisabeth.Maerker-Hermann@HSKWiesbaden.de

Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynecology
|October 23, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Women with inflammatory rheumatic diseases can safely conceive during stable disease phases. Pregnancy outcomes vary, with rheumatoid arthritis often improving, while systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) poses higher risks, especially with active lupus nephritis.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain
04:50

Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain

Published on: May 16, 2025

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive immunology
  • Maternal-fetal medicine
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs) like rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can impact pregnancy.
  • Maternal disease activity and antirheumatic drug therapy require careful consideration during gestation.
  • Fetal development and maternal health are influenced by the interplay between IRDs and pregnancy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the influence of maternal inflammatory rheumatic diseases on pregnancy course and fetal development.
  • To discuss antirheumatic drug therapy considerations and strategies for preventing fetal complications in SLE.
  • To synthesize current literature on immunologic mechanisms affecting rheumatic symptoms during pregnancy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current research on inflammatory rheumatic diseases and pregnancy.
  • Analysis of immunologic hypotheses regarding symptom changes during gestation.
  • Examination of studies on fetal complications in SLE, particularly antiphospholipid syndrome and Ro/SSA- and La/SSB-positive mothers.

Main Results:

  • Pregnancy can ameliorate or exacerbate symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis via discussed immunologic mechanisms.
  • Recent studies highlight fetal complications in SLE, including antiphospholipid syndrome and risks for Ro/SSA- and La/SSB-positive mothers.
  • Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for SLE-related fetal complications are evolving.

Conclusions:

  • Women with IRDs can achieve successful pregnancies when the disease is stable and quiescent.
  • While pregnancy outcomes in SLE have improved, it remains a high-risk period, particularly with active lupus nephritis.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms often improve during pregnancy, whereas ankylosing spondylitis may present unchanged or worsened symptoms and function.