E. Muller et al., ACUTE RHEUMATIC-FEVER - CARDITIS IS THE MOST COMMON PRESENTING MANIFESTATION IN SOUTH-AFRICA, South African medical journal, 87, 1997, pp. 218-220
Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is still a major health problem in South A
frica. In this retrospective, descriptive study, 100 patients with ARF
were analysed to establish whether the clinical profile has changed.
Carditis was found in 94% of patients and was therefore the most commo
n of the major criteria found at presentation. The two most common ear
ly complications were congestive cardiac failure (CCF) in 16% and infe
ctive endocarditis (IE) in 5% of patients. Late complications were CCF
in 35% with IE contributing to CCF in 10% of patients. A further 15%
developed IE. In conclusion, the profile of ARF as described in the li
terature has changed, with carditis now being the most common manifest
ation.