2.5
Rheumatic Heart Disease
Malawi Standard Treatment Guidelines, 6th Edition, 2023. Chapter 2, Cardiovascular Diseases.
Clinical Description
Valvular heart disease which occurs as a complication of recurrent acute rheumatic fever.
Signs and Symptoms
- Symptoms and signs of heart failure
- Murmurs
Investigations
- Chest Xray
- ECG
- Echocardiography
Pharmacological
- Antibiotic prophylaxis, benzathine penicillin 0.6MU IM < 30kg, 1.2MU > 30kg IM
STAT monthly
- Treat heart failure as per heart failure protocol
Surgery: refer to tertiary facility
Complications
- Heart failure
- Infective endocarditis
Complications and Referral Criteria
All children to be referred to a tertiary facility
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