Title
Therapeutics for rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.
Link to article in PubMed
Author(s)
Abstract
The goals of acute rheumatic fever therapy are to relieve symptoms, mitigate cardiac valve damage and eradicate streptococcal infection. Preventing future recurrences requires long-term secondary antibiotic prophylaxis and ongoing prevention of Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus) infections The recommended regimen for secondary prophylaxis comprises benzathine benzylpenicillin G intramuscular injections every four weeks. For patients with non-severe or immediate penicillin hypersensitivity, use erythromycin orally twice daily The goals of therapy for rheumatic heart disease are to prevent progression and optimise cardiac function. Secondary antibiotic prophylaxis can reduce the long-term severity of rheumatic heart disease Patients with rheumatic heart disease, including those receiving benzathine benzylpenicillin G prophylaxis, should receive amoxicillin prophylaxis before undergoing high-risk dental or surgical procedures. If they have recently been treated with a course of penicillin or amoxicillin, or have immediate penicillin hypersensitivity, clindamycin is recommended.
Publication information
(c) NPS MedicineWise.
Aust Prescr. 2022 Aug;45(4):104-112. doi: 10.18773/austprescr.2022.034. Epub 2022 Aug 1.
Date Issued
2022-08-01
Type
Journal Article
Journal Title
Australian prescriber
Permanent link to this record
Owning collection
