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Rheumatic fever in a 2-year-old child
M A Wilschanski1, J Faber, T Itai
1Department of Pediatrics, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
Israel Journal of Medical Sciences
|November 1, 1987
Summary
Rheumatic fever is rare in 2-year-olds but treatable with aspirin. This case highlights the importance of considering rheumatic fever in very young children presenting with characteristic symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Rheumatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory condition that can affect the heart, joints, brain, and skin.
- It is a post-infectious complication of group A Streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis.
- While typically seen in school-aged children, rare cases occur in younger children.
Observation:
- A 2-year-old boy presented with fever and migratory polyarthritis.
- Laboratory tests revealed an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, indicative of inflammation.
- The patient's symptoms were consistent with acute rheumatic fever.
Findings:
- The child's symptoms, including fever and flitting polyarthritis, responded well to aspirin treatment.
- The case demonstrates a successful outcome with standard anti-inflammatory therapy.
- The diagnosis of rheumatic fever was confirmed based on clinical presentation and inflammatory markers.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rheumatic fever in the differential diagnosis of febrile arthropathies in children under three years old.
- Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term complications, such as rheumatic heart disease.
- Pediatricians and healthcare providers should maintain a high index of suspicion for rheumatic fever, even in this rare age group.