Prevention of Rheumatic Fever

The American Heart Association has updated its scientific statement; as before, emphasis is on treatment and prevention of streptococcal pharyngitis.

Target Group: Primary care practitioners for adults and children; infectious diseases and cardiology specialists

Sponsoring Organization: American Heart Association (AHA), with endorsement by the American Academy of Pediatrics

Type: Scientific statement embodying assessment and classification of evidence by an expert committee and assignment of level using a categoric rating system

Key Points: This document updates the AHA’s previous statement on prevention of rheumatic fever (RF), published in 1995. It focuses on timely diagnosis and treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis (primary prevention) and on prevention of streptococcal pharyngitis in individuals with a previous diagnosis of RF (secondary prevention).

Primary prevention requires accurat…

Reviewing Author

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease