Evaluation of Patients with Acute Rheumatic Fever: 13-Year Experience of a Single Center

Authors : Fatma İssi Irlayıcı, Embiya Dilber

Pages : 19-25

Doi:10.16899/jcm.1562094

View : 57 | Download : 49

Publication Date : 2025-01-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Background/Aims: Data on the frequency of acute rheumatic fever in Turkey is limited. The study aims to evaluate patients\\\' demographic and clinical characteristics retrospectively followed up with a diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever in the Eastern Black Sea Region. Materials and Methods: Demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever in our clinic between January 2005 and December 2017 were evaluated from archival records. Results: Included in the study were 175 patients with a mean age of 11±3.52 years (26 months–17 years), with a female/male ratio of 1.38. Patients are most frequently presented in February, May and August. Carditis was the most common (80%) major finding, while arthritis was seen in 51.4% and chorea in 16%. Erythema marginatum was present in only one patient. While isolated mitral valve involvement (54.3%) was most common in the patients with carditis, simultaneous mitral and aortic valve involvement was found in 30.7% of the patients, and isolated aortic valve involvement in 10%. Tricuspid regurgitation was seen in three (2.1%) patients with mitral involvement. Recurrence was detected in four (57.1%) of the seven patients who were incompatible with secondary prophylaxis. During clinical follow-up, two patients underwent mitral and aortic valve replacement. No mortality was observed in the patients. Conclusion: Despite improving socio-economic conditions in Turkiye in recent years, acute rheumatic fever remains a significant health problem for the Eastern Black Sea Region.
Keywords : Akut romatizmal ateş, Kardit, Çocuk, Romatizmal kalp hastalığı

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