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Ongoing inflammation in children with rheumatic heart disease

Nevin M M Habeeb1, Iman S Al Hadidi

  • 1Pediatric Cardiology Department and Clinical Pathology Department, Ain Shams University, 15 A Saraya Al Kobba Square, Cairo, Egypt. nhabeeb69@yahoo.com

Cardiology in the Young
|February 10, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Children with rheumatic heart disease show ongoing inflammation, indicated by elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and homocysteine levels. This inflammation correlates with valvular damage and may increase the risk of early atherosclerosis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Rheumatology
  • Inflammation Biomarkers

Background:

  • Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a significant cause of acquired heart disease in children globally.
  • The role of ongoing inflammation in the progression of RHD and its long-term consequences remains an area of active investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and extent of ongoing inflammation in children diagnosed with acute rheumatic carditis and chronic rheumatic heart disease.
  • To explore the correlation between inflammatory markers, valvular involvement, and cardiac function in pediatric RHD patients.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 36 pediatric patients (mean age 12.63 years) with RHD (acute or chronic) and 15 healthy controls were enrolled.
  • Echocardiography assessed valvular disease and left ventricular function.
  • Laboratory tests included lipid profiles, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and homocysteine assays.

Main Results:

  • Patients with RHD exhibited significantly elevated hs-CRP and homocysteine levels compared to controls.
  • hs-CRP levels showed a positive correlation with the severity of mitral regurgitation.
  • No significant correlation was found between inflammatory markers and lipid profiles.

Conclusions:

  • Evidence suggests persistent inflammation in children with RHD, directly linked to the degree of valvular damage.
  • This chronic inflammation may predispose these young patients to premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Abstract

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