[Rheumatic carditis and its future (author's transl)]

Authors report results of the study of a series of rheumatic heart disease in 34 children between three and 14 years old, followed-up from one month to 14 years (mean six years and six months), and another one of 14 adults operated because of cardiac sequelae, in whom the average age was 48. The most significant results are: more common in autumn-winter (62%) and females (60%); family history of rheumatic fever (55%); low social level; mitral predominance with mitral regurgitation in children and stenosis in adults; during puberty age; without symptoms in the joints in 36%, and with better prognosis since 1974. Parameters with prognostic value in the prediction of sequelae were: family history of rheumatic fever; rural environment; increase in cardiac volume, PR prolongation in the ECG and inadequate treatment and prophylaxis. 36% of the mitral lesions and 20% of the aortic ones disappeared. The main conclusion is the need for intensive treatment during the acute period of the disease and continuous prevention during the rest of their lives of cardiac sequelae.