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Acute rheumatic fever in Jordanian children

I Khriesat1, A Najada, F Al-Hakim

  • 1Queen Alia Heart Institute, Paediatric Cardiology Division, Amman, Jordan.

Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal = La Revue De Sante De La Mediterranee Orientale = Al-Majallah Al-Sihhiyah Li-Sharq Al-Mutawassit
|February 3, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Rheumatic fever is a significant health issue in Jordan, primarily affecting children. Arthritis and carditis were the most common manifestations, highlighting the need for strict prophylaxis adherence.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pediatrics
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Rheumatic fever presents a persistent public health challenge in Jordan.
  • Understanding its clinical spectrum is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To retrospectively analyze the clinical presentation and echocardiographic findings of rheumatic fever patients in Jordan.
  • To identify common manifestations and affected valves in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of medical charts for patients diagnosed with rheumatic fever.
  • Data collected from Queen Alia Heart Institute between February 1999 and February 2002.
  • Diagnosis confirmed using modified Jones criteria.

Main Results:

  • Arthritis (88%) and carditis (48%) were the most frequent manifestations.
  • Mitral valve involvement (80%) was most common, followed by combined mitral and aortic valve disease (25%).
  • Silent carditis occurred in 8% of cases; chorea in 6%.

Conclusions:

  • Rheumatic fever in Jordan exhibits diverse clinical presentations, with arthritis and carditis being predominant.
  • Valvular heart disease, particularly mitral valve involvement, is a significant complication.
  • Emphasizing adherence to prophylaxis guidelines is essential for preventing recurrent episodes and long-term sequelae.

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