[Rheumatic fever in the 5-year period of 1994-1999 at 2 hospitals in San Luis Potosi and Mexico D.F].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the incidence of acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF).


METHODS
A retrospective, descriptive, observational study on the first attack and recurrence was performed in a general hospital and a reference center.


RESULTS
By Jones criteria: 67 cases, 39 women and 28 men; 58% first attack, 42% recurrence. Higher incidence during spring-winter. The most common major criteria were: carditis, polyarthritis. The most common minor criteria were: fever, arthralgias and acute phase reaction markers. No differences between hospitals were noted. Evidence of contact with streptococcus was found. Mitral, aortic and tricuspid valves were commonly affected. Incidence in the age group > 5 < 20 was 7/1000.


CONCLUSIONS
Incidence of ARF has decreased, but has not been eradicated. It occurs in developing countries, where it remains an issue of public health. Failures in clinical suspicion, prophylaxis, and adherence to treatment influence this situation. Education for health, early diagnosis, and primary and secondary prophylaxis should be reinforced.
Soto López
M E
ME
Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, INCICH, Juan Badiano No. 1, 14080 México, D.F.
Cordera González de Cosío
F
F
Estrada
L
L
Guel
L
L
Abud Mendoza
C
C
Reyes
P A
PA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012213:Rheumatic Fever / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013997:Time Factors