Sydenham's chorea.
OBJECTIVE
To study the clinical profile in patients with Sydenham's chorea.


METHODS
Prospective.


METHODS
Medical college and hospital.


METHODS
Sixty cases with Sydenham's chorea, between 1988 and 1994, were studied. Of these 36 were girls; the mean age at presentation was 11.1 yr (range 7-16 yr).


RESULTS
Female predominance was apparent only after 9 years of age. There was a high familial incidence for both chorea and rheumatic fever. Generalized chorea was seen in 40 and hemichorea in 20 patients. The chorea lasted from 5 to 40 days; 13 patients had recurrent episodes. Gait disturbances, dysarthria and weakness were common. Six patients had co-existing heart disease, 4 had arthritis and one had subcutaneous nodules. A raised ESR and positive ASO titer were seen in 37 and 20 patients respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
There was an increased incidence of Sydenham's chorea after 9 years of age in girls possibly suggesting the influence of female sex hormones. A high incidence of neurologic manifestations were noted. Acute phase reactants were raised in almost half the patients. Sodium valproate, whenever used, was effective in controlling the chorea.
Kulkarni
M L
ML
Department of Pediatrics, J.J.M. Medical College, Davangere.
Anees
S
S
D000293:Adolescent; D017677:Age Distribution; D002648:Child; D002819:Chorea / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D003906:Developing Countries; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012213:Rheumatic Fever / Q000150:complications*; D017678:Sex Distribution