Acute Rheumatic Fever in the North East of Iran: A Study of 80 Cases

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the frequency, clinical presentation and cardiac involvement of children with RF in the North-East of Iran.

Methods: A case series analysis was conducted on 80 patients with acute rheumatic fever (ARF), who were hospitalized  at Ghaem hospital in Mashad between 1994 and 2000, were studied. Laboratory tests and results from echocardiographic examinations, and clinical findings were analyzed. All patients received standard care for children with ARF. The X2 test was used for comparison of binary data.

Results: When compared to similar studies from developed countries, our study demonstrates a decreased frequency of RF in North-East Iran over the past few years. However, it is still a major health problem and the most common cause of acquired heart disease in childhood. The distribution of the major modified Jones criteria in our study is slightly different from that described in the literature, with a higher incidence of carditis.

Conclusion: It appears that carditis is endemic in this region. Considering the high morbidity and complications involved in this disease, there is an immediate need for effective preventive programs for the initiating cause streptococcal infections, especially since it is treatable.