Table 3 Comparison of post-streptococcal reactive arthritis (PSRA) and acute rheumatic fever (ARF)
From: Post-streptococcal reactive arthritis in children: a distinct entity from acute rheumatic fever
| PSRA | ARF | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Bimodal: 8-14 years and 21-37 years | 5-15 years with peak incidence around 12 years |
| Disease onset post streptococcal infection | 7-10 days | 10-28 days |
| Joint involvment | Additive and persistent; large, small and axial joints | Migratory, transient; mainly large joints |
| Acute phase reactants | Moderatly elevated | Markedly elevated |
| Response of arthritis to acetylsalicylic acid or NSAID treatment | Poor to moderate | Dramatic |
| Genetic markers | Increased frequency of HLA DRB1*01 | Increased frequency of the HLA DRB1*16 allele |
| Carditis | Conflicting reports, but uncommon | Major diagnostic criteria, between 60-70% |
| Antibiotic prophylaxis | Antibiotic prophylaxis for one year if echocardiogram is normal | Long-term secondary antibiotic prophylaxis |