Corticosteroid treatment in patients with Sydenham's chorea.
Sydenham's chorea occurs in approximately 10% of acute rheumatic fever and is one of its major manifestations. The disease may last for weeks or months, with a high risk of recurrence; usually only supportive treatment is recommended. This report describes five children diagnosed with Sydenham's chorea and treated with a short course of corticosteroids. Marked improvement of the involuntary movements was observed within 24-48 hours, with complete resolution within 7-12 days after commencement of treatment; there were no relapses. Larger, possibly comparative studies are necessary, but in the meantime treatment with corticosteroids in patients with Sydenham's chorea should be considered.
Barash
Judith
J
Pediatric Rheumatology, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
Margalith
Dov
D
Matitiau
Abraham
A
D000284:Administration, Oral; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002819:Chorea / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011241:Prednisone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012213:Rheumatic Fever / Q000150:complications
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D011241:Prednisone