Rheumatic fever (RF) is a catastrophic illness in many parts of the
world particularly in developing nations, so this cross-sectional study
was designed to study the sodomedical pattern of. rheumatic fever in
school children in Benha. The target population were 189 Child with RF
aged 6-16 years, (89.4%) ofcases were below 15 years old, 57.1% were
below 10 years.Male: Female ratio was estimated to be 1:1.39. Poorsocioeconomic
condition, living in rural areas, repeated sorethroatfavour the
occurence offirst attack ofrheumaticfever as well as its recurrence. The
occwence of valve lesions in response to first attack ofRFor recurrence
was high (93.7%, 88.8%) respectively. None ofcases which exhibit recur
rence were under prophylaxis of benzathin penicillin. The most common
valve lesions caused by 1st attack RF were mitral regurge and mitral
stenosis, in apercentage of(50.3%, 16.6%) respectively, whilepulmonary
and bicuspid valveswere not affected in this group ofpatients. Combined
lesions were (20.1%). The cardiovascularphysical examination showed a
sensitivity of(69.14%) & a specificity of (100%)for the diagnosis ofrhumatic
valvular heart disease compared with Doppler echocardiography.
Hence, it is recommended to design a long termplanefor Improving the
socioeconomic conditions aswell as a short termplane to improve the util
ization ofspecialized clinics integrated with theJunctions ofschool insu
rance. Also physical examination should be encouraged rather than the
routine application of echocardiography. |
