Rheumatic Fever
Rheumatic Fever
Rheumatic fever and its complication of chronic rheumatic heart disease remains a major public health problem, especially in developing countries. This is particularly unfortunate because the condition occurs as a result of preventable and easily treatable suppurative pharyngeal infections.
There have been no significant new advances in the treatment of rheumatic fever in the last 3 decades. Treatment is largely based on the use of antibacterials, salicylates and other symptom-specific treatments. Current therapy does not alter the natural course of the disease.
Recent research has focused on understanding the aetiology of rheumatic fever and its prevention. However, the development of a vaccine is still some way off.
Introduction
Rheumatic fever and its complication of chronic rheumatic heart disease remains a major public health problem, especially in developing countries. This is particularly unfortunate because the condition occurs as a result of preventable and easily treatable suppurative pharyngeal infections.
There have been no significant new advances in the treatment of rheumatic fever in the last 3 decades. Treatment is largely based on the use of antibacterials, salicylates and other symptom-specific treatments. Current therapy does not alter the natural course of the disease.
Recent research has focused on understanding the aetiology of rheumatic fever and its prevention. However, the development of a vaccine is still some way off.
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