Resumen

SOTO LOPEZ, María Elena et al. Rheumatic fever. Arch. Cardiol. Méx. [online]. 2001, vol.71, n.2, pp.127-135. ISSN 1665-1731.

Objective: To assess the incidence of acute Rheumatic Aever (ARA). Patients and methods: A retrospective, descriptive, observational study on the first attack and recurrence was performed in a general hospital and a reference center. Results: By Jones criteria: 67 cases, 39 women and 28 men; 58% first attack, 42% recurrence. Higher incidence during spring-winter. The most common major criteria were: carditis, polyarthritis. The most common minor criteria were: fever, arthralgias and acute phase reaction markers. No differences between hospitals were noted. Evidence of contact with streptococcus was found. Mitral, aortic and tricuspid valves were commonly affected. Incidence in the age group > 5 < 20 was 7/1000. Discussion: Incidence of ARA has decreased, but has not been eradicated. It occurs in developing countries, where it remains an issue of public health. Failures in clinical suspicion, prophylaxis, and adherence to treatment influence this situation. Education for health, early diagnosis, and primary and secondary prophylaxis should be reinforced.

Palabras llave : Rheumatic fever; Incidence; Heart valves.