THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE RHEUMATIC FEVER

Abstract

Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is a multisystem inflammatory disease resulting from an autoimmune response triggered by infection with Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus), which may progress to chronic rheumatic heart disease, one of the leading causes of acquired heart disease in children and young adults in low- and middle-income countries. The disease remains a significant global public health issue, particularly among socially vulnerable populations, where factors such as limited access to healthcare services, unfavorable socioeconomic conditions, and challenges in early diagnosis contribute to persistently high morbidity and mortality rates. In this context, appropriate therapeutic management of ARF is essential for controlling systemic inflammation, eradicating the infectious agent, and reducing recurrences associated with the progression of valvular heart damage. The present study consists of a narrative bibliographic review, descriptive and qualitative in nature, conducted using the PubMed database and the descriptor “Rheumatic Fever,” according to the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terminology. Articles published in the last five years and directly related to the therapeutic management of the disease were included. The literature analysis shows that ARF treatment is based on the eradication of streptococci through appropriate antibiotic therapy, control of inflammatory manifestations, and prolonged secondary prophylaxis with benzathine penicillin.