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 sociomedical pattern of rheumatic fever in
school children in Benha. The target population were 189 Child with RF
aged 6-16 years. (89.4%) of cases were below 15 years old, 57.1% were
below 10 years. Male: Ferrtnie ratio was estimated to be 1:1.39. Poor socioeconomic
condition, living in rural areas, repeated sorethroat favour the
occurence of first attack of rheumatic fever as well as its recurrence. The
occurence of valve lesions in response to first attack of RF or recurrence
was high (93.7%, 88.8%) respectively. Norte of cases which exhibit recurrence
were under prophylaxis of benzathirt penicillin. The most common
valve lesions caused by 1st attack RF' were mitral regurge and mitral
stertosis, in a percentage of (50.3%. 16.6%) respectively, while pulmonary
and tricuspid valves were not affected in this group of patients. Combined
lesions were (20.1%). The cardiovascular physical examination showed a
sensitivity of (69.14%) & a specificity of (100%) for the diagnosis of rhumatic
valvular heart disease compared with Doppler echocardiography.
Hence, it is recommended to design a long term plane for improving the
socioeconomic conditions as well as a short term plane to improve the utilization
of specialized clinics integrated with the functions of school insurance.
Also physical examination should be encouraged rather than the
routine application of echocardiography. Regular administration of beza |
