title: Secondary prophylaxis for rheumatic fever: simple concepts, difficult delivery.
abstract: Registers of those with rheumatic heart disease or a history of acute rheumatic fever (RF) are key to prevent RF recurrences and improve disease control. Randomized controlled trials show intramuscular long-acting benzathine penicillin G is more effective than oral penicillin to prevent recurrences. Although some guidelines recommend three-weekly benzathine penicillin, four weekly is effective if compliance rates are high. Four-weekly penicillin delivery is also preferable to three-weekly regimens for health resource and logistical reasons and for patient acceptability and compliance.
authors: Green Lane Pediatric and Congenital Cardiac Services, Starship Children's Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors: Nigel
authors: N
authors: Wilson
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012213:Rheumatic Fever / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012214:Rheumatic Heart Disease / Q000517:prevention & control*; D055502:Secondary Prevention / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents
keywords: rheumatic fever; secondary prophylaxis