Rheumatic fever: update on the Jones criteria according to the American Heart Association review – 2015

Publication date: Available online 10 April 2017 Source:Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia (English Edition) Author(s): Breno Álvares de Faria Pereira, Alinne Rodrigues Belo, Nilzio Antônio da Silva Rheumatic fever is still currently a prevalent disease, especially in developing countries. Triggered by a Group A β-hemolytic Streptococcus infection, the disease may affect genetically predisposed patients. Rheumatic carditis is the most important of its clinical manifestations, which can generate incapacitating sequelae of great impact for the individual and for society. Currently, its diagnosis is made based on the Jones criteria, established in 1992 by the American Heart Association. In 2015, the AHA carried out a significant review of these criteria, with new diagnostic parameters and recommendations. In the present study, the authors perform a critical analysis of this new review, emphasizing the most relevant points for clinical practice.
Source: Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research