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October 29, 2024

Support Recognition and Management of Rheumatic Fever in Primary Health Care Settings

Algorithm to Support Recognition and Management of Rheumatic Fever in Primary Health Care Settings 

 

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The rheumatic fever (RF) algorithm was first developed as a decision tool for frontline healthcare workers. It is intended to support early diagnosis of RF in settings where rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is endemic. The algorithm, adapted from the Jones Criteria for Diagnosis of Rheumatic Fever, was designed specifically for use in low-resource settings including settings with limited laboratory and echocardiography capacity. Whilst the Jones Criteria is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of RF its application in resource limited healthcare settings can be impractical leading to missed diagnosis.  The RF algorithm aims to provide a simplified alternative to the Jones Criteria to help improve detection of RF.  

 

The RF algorithm guides the healthcare provider through a series of prompts, helping them to

decide if RF should be considered, or ruled out, and when to refer a patient to the next level of care.

The algorithm offers treatment guidance during the acute phase, such as, when a fever

is present or whilst waiting for confirmation of diagnosis.   

 

This algorithm was developed by a team of RF and RHD clinical and public health experts and has

been tested with personnel in primary health care settings. The RF algorithm was

informed by a research paper written by Karthikeyan G and Guilherme L. (2018) entitled; Acute

rheumatic fever1

 

If you are interested in implementing the RF Algorithm in your setting, please get in touch: info@stoprh.org or Jessica.abrams@stoprhd.org 

 

1. Karthikeyan G, Guilherme L. Acute rheumatic fever. Lancet. 2018 Jul 14;392(10142):161-174. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(18)30999-1. Epub 2018 Jun 29. Erratum in: Lancet. 2018 Sep 8;392(10150):820. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(18)32057-9. PMID: 30025809.

 

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