Discontinuing rheumatic fever prophylaxis in selected adolescents and young adults: a prospective study
Article Abstract:
Adolescents and young adults who had rheumatic fever in the past may not require long-term treatment with antibiotics to prevent a recurrence. Rheumatic fever is an arthritic disorder that may occur after an infection caused by group A Streptococcus. Fifty-nine patients between 15 and 44 years old who received preventive treatment for rheumatic fever were examined every three months between Jul 1982 and Sep 1988. Preventive treatment with antibiotics was discontinued in those with no rheumatic heart disease after five years of treatment or after the patient reached the age of eighteen. Those with a history of rheumatic heart disease stopped taking antibiotics after 10 years or at the age of 25. Two patients had a recurrence of rheumatic fever during the follow-up period. Individuals who have a recurrence of rheumatic fever have a higher risk of developing rheumatic heart disease.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1993
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Variation in group A streptococci and the prevalence of rheumatic fever: a half-century vigil
Article Abstract:
A research study found that the recurrence rate for rheumatic fever did not increase significantly when a group of patients with a history of rheumatic fever stopped taking antibiotics. Rheumatic fever is a form of arthritis that occurs during recovery from an infection caused by group A streptococcus. Rheumatic fever outbreaks and changes in the rheumatic fever recurrence rate may be caused by a variety of factors. The number of children who died from rheumatic fever dropped dramatically when penicillin was introduced in the 1940s. In the 1950s, benzathine penicillin G was introduced. This form of penicillin could be injected once a month to prevent rheumatic fever recurrences. Differences between strains of group A streptococcus may also influence the occurrence of rheumatic fever and the rheumatic fever recurrence rate.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1993
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Diagnosing strep throat in the adult patient: do clinical criteria really suffice?
Article Abstract:
Doctors should use an optical immunoassay to diagnose group A streptococcal throat infections. This test is quick and accurate for determining whether a sore throat is caused by a virus or group A streptococcus. Relying only on symptoms can lead to excessive antibiotic use, which has been linked to the development of antibiotic resistance. People who test positive for group A strep throat should be treated with penicillin.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 2003
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