Study of rheumatic fever among school children in Alexandria during 1995-1999

Acute rheumatic fever continues to be a major health problem in economically developing and developed counties. The present study aimed to identify the incidence of rheumatic fever [RF and its complications among school students in Alexandria governorate [Egypt] during the years 1995-1999. The incidence of RF showed a decrease trend ranging from 189/100000 in 1995 to 93/10,000 in 1999; Rheumatic arthritis was the main presentation observed. Mitral regurgitation was the most common valvular lesion, followed by combined mitral and aortic regurgitation. Isolated aortic regurgitation was the least frequent lesion. Surgical intervention was done for no more than 2% of all cases