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The Development and Evaluation of a Combined Infection–Rheumatology Assessment Service in Response to the Chikungunya Fever Epidemic

Authors :
Maria Krutikov
Joseph Donovan
Jonathan Lambourne
Coziana Ciurtin
Mike Brown
Robin Bailey
Jessica J. Manson
Source :
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 108:1003-1006
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2023.

Abstract

The chikungunya virus is an arthritogenic alphavirus. Acute infection may be followed by persistent arthralgia, often causing significant functional impairment. The 2014–2015 chikungunya fever (CHIKF) epidemic resulted in a marked increase in cases presenting to rheumatology and tropical diseases services. A combined multidisciplinary rheumatology–tropical diseases service for assessment, management, and follow-up of patients with proven CHIKF and persistent (≥ 4 weeks) arthralgia was proposed and rapidly developed at The Hospital for Tropical Diseases in London. Rapid set up of a multidisciplinary clinic in response to the epidemic was achieved. Of a total of 54 patients, 21 (38.9%) patients with CHIKF developed persistent arthralgia and were reviewed by the multidisciplinary service. A combined assessment approach enabled comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment of CHIKF, assessment of joint pathology through ultrasound, and appropriate follow-up. A combined rheumatology–tropical diseases service was successfully used to identify and assess CHIKF-associated morbidity. Future outbreaks may be approached by establishing tailored multidisciplinary clinics.

Details

ISSN :
14761645 and 00029637
Volume :
108
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........366009a4f3e1a013bdc94832afec3e03
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.22-0698