Guidelines for the secondary prevention of rheumatic heart disease

Rheumatic fever is a rare yet serious condition develop as a consequence of throat infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. It is the leading cause for rheumatic heart disease. Rheumatic heart disease is a worldwide public health concern. It is a chronic condition that results in carditis, irreversible valve damage and heart failure in children and young adults living in low-income countries. The age of onset peaks between 5 and 15 years. Approximately, 3% of patients with untreated acute streptococcal sore throats develop rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease can be prevented with appropriate antibiotics administration to prevent the progression of valve damage. The current use of primary and secondary prevention antibiotics in Saudi Arabia is not known. Therefore, this clinical practice guideline is developed, based on the best available evidence, to promote appropriate antibiotics secondary prophylaxis use for prevention of rheumatic heart disease