Ralph A1
1 Menzies School of Health Research
Biography:
To follow.
Abstract
Acute rheumatic fever presents unique diagnostic and management challenges in remote settings. Early symptoms are often non-specific and may mimic sepsis or other inflammatory conditions. Conversely, many suspected rheumatic fever cases are ultimately found to have a different diagnosis after workup. This presentation will provide a practical overview of recognising ARF in remote settings, identifying those who require urgent transfer or cardiac monitoring and initiating treatment. Specific situations, such as severe carditis with heart failure or conduction abnormalities, and vasovagal syncope following intramuscular benzathine benzylpenicillin in people with significant valvular heart disease, will also be covered. Novel developments including research into immunomodulatory treatment and development of a diagnostic test for ARF will also be explored.