RHEUMATIC-FEVER IS BACK - DONT MISS IT

Three times in 7 weeks an active 13-year-old girl came to a sports medicine clinic complaining of joint pain. Because of a low index of suspicion, diagnosis was delayed. It was not until her third visit that a complete medical history, a high streptococcal antibody titer, and a throat culture positive for beta-hemolytic streptococci indicated a surprising diagnosis-rheumatic fever. Often elusive, the diagnosis of rheumatic fever is based on criteria proposed by Jones. Treatment is aimed at eradicating the streptococci and treating the inflammatory response and is usually followed by long-term prophylaxis.