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Acute rheumatic fever in Kuwait: The declining incidence
H A Majeed1, K Doudin, M Lubani
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kuwait, and Ministry of Public Health, Kuwait.
Annals of Saudi Medicine
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Acute rheumatic fever incidence in Kuwaiti children aged 5-14 declined from 1984 to 1988. Recurrent cases also decreased, indicating a positive trend in pediatric rheumatic fever management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) remains a significant public health concern in children globally.
- Understanding incidence trends is crucial for effective public health interventions.
- Kuwait has previously reported on ARF, necessitating updated epidemiological data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively determine the incidence of ARF in Kuwaiti children aged 5-14 years.
- To analyze trends in ARF incidence and recurrence rates over a five-year period.
- To provide current epidemiological data for public health planning.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study design.
- Inclusion of children aged 5-14 years in Kuwait.
- Data collection over a five-year period (1984-1988).
Main Results:
- The mean annual incidence of ARF was 2.9 per 100,000 children.
- A notable decline in incidence was observed, from 3.7/100,000 in 1984 to 2.5/100,000 in 1988.
- The percentage of recurrent ARF cases decreased from 27% in 1985 to 11% in 1988.
Conclusions:
- ARF incidence in Kuwaiti children showed a downward trend during the study period.
- The reduction in recurrent ARF cases suggests improved management or prevention strategies.
- Continued surveillance is recommended to monitor ARF epidemiology in the region.
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