Asia Pacific Journal of Pediatric and Child Health

Ref Number = ASPR0038

The Role of Antimicrobial in Rheumatic Fever & Rheumatic Heart Dissease

Renny Suwarniaty, MD 
Departement of Pediatric, University of  Brawijaya, Malang,  Indonesia
E-mail : renny_nus@yahoo.co.id

Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) is a disease caused by a Group A beta-hemolyitic streptococci (GABHS) infection which then involves a slow immunological response (Siregar, 2008) In some circumstances, further ARF can trigger Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD), which result in irreversible valve damage and heart failure (Marijon Eloy, 2012). Valve damage in RHD is the most common Acquired Heart Disease causing mortality and morbidity in Children in Developing Countries, resulted in 250,000 deaths each year. In a systematic review study, it was reported that 471,000 cases of ARF occurred every year, with an incidence around 336,000 children aged 5-14 year old. And it is also reported that 350,000 children died every year due to ARF and RHD, and the majority occurred in low and middle income countries (Carapetis, et al. 2016).
As we know, the spread of streptococcal infection is through droplets and facilitated by population density. Environmental factors also contribute to the incidence of ARF, and the prevalence of RHD is also influenced by dense settlements, urbanization, social-economic status, poor nutrition and difficult access to health facilities. (Carapetis et al, 2005)
The incidence of RHD in Indonesia is still unknown. The latest data has shown that ARF in Indonesia (1981-1990) were 0.3-0.8 among 1,000 school-age children. (Siregar, 2008)
In susceptible individuals, ARF occurs 6-10 days after Pharyngeal GABHS infection. (Smith et al, 2012). Symptoms of ARF are Cardiac and Non Cardiac, and divided into major and minor symptoms. The major symptoms includes: Carditis, Arthritis, Chorea Sydenham, Erythema Marginatum, Subcutaneous Nodules, and the Minor symptoms includes: Atralgia, Fever, Prolonged PR interval, and increase in Acute Phase Reactants. (Madiyono et al, 2009)
The management of acute rheumatic fever includes: Primary prophylaxis (germ eradication), anti-inflammatory, supportive therapy, and secondary prophylaxis. Antibiotic is used as primary and secondary prophylaxis, and Penicillin is the primary recommended choice.
This paper discuss the role of antibiotics in Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease.

Keywords: Acute Rheumatic Fever; Rheumatic Heart Disease; Penicillin

Refference:

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