rheumatology paediatrics cardiology

Jones Criteria for Acute Rheumatic Fever Diagnosis

Modified Jones Criteria (2015 AHA) for diagnosing first episode of acute rheumatic fever (ARF). Requires evidence of preceding streptococcal infection PLUS major/minor criteria as specified.

Evidence of preceding Group A streptococcal pharyngitis (mandatory precondition)*

MAJOR — Carditis (clinical or subclinical/echocardiographic mitral or aortic regurgitation)*

MAJOR — Polyarthritis (≥3 joints; migratory, acute, painful joints); or monoarthritis/polyarthralgia in high-risk populations*

MAJOR — Chorea (Sydenham's chorea — involuntary movements)*

MAJOR — Erythema marginatum*

MAJOR — Subcutaneous nodules*

MINOR — Fever (≥38.5°C)*

MINOR — Elevated ESR (≥60 mm/h) or CRP (>3.0 mg/dL or >30 mg/L)*

MINOR — Prolonged PR interval on ECG (age-adjusted; not if carditis is a major criterion)*

References

Gewitz MH et al. Revision of the Jones criteria for the diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever in the era of Doppler echocardiography. Circulation. 2015;131(20):1806–1818.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Drugs

Pathways

Decision support only — verify against MDCalc, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.

References

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