A 19-year-old Aboriginal man from a remote Northern Territory community presents with a sore throat, fever and migratory polyarthritis. He had a simil...

Question

A 19-year-old Aboriginal man from a remote Northern Territory community presents with a sore throat, fever and migratory polyarthritis. He had a similar illness 6 months ago. There is no carditis on echocardiogram. According to Australian ARF/RHD guidelines, what is the most appropriate duration of secondary prophylaxis with benzathine benzylpenicillin?

Accepted Answer

5 years after the last episode or until age 21 (whichever is longer)

Answer

No secondary prophylaxis is required without carditis

Answer

1 year after the last episode

Answer

Lifelong prophylaxis regardless of cardiac involvement

Answer

Only during the wet season when streptococcal infections are more common

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Acute rheumatic fever secondary prophylaxis duration