Desouky, E., Tawfik, M., Mohamed, Y., Sabry, A. (2025). Prevalence of Regular Long-Acting Penicillin Administration as a Prophylaxis against Rheumatic Fever among Ismailia District Students Aged between 5–15 Years. Suez Canal University Medical Journal, 28(1), 8-15. doi: 10.21608/scumj.2025.400508
Esraa Desouky; Mohammad E. Tawfik; Yasmine G. Mohamed; Ayman F. Sabry. "Prevalence of Regular Long-Acting Penicillin Administration as a Prophylaxis against Rheumatic Fever among Ismailia District Students Aged between 5–15 Years". Suez Canal University Medical Journal, 28, 1, 2025, 8-15. doi: 10.21608/scumj.2025.400508
Desouky, E., Tawfik, M., Mohamed, Y., Sabry, A. (2025). 'Prevalence of Regular Long-Acting Penicillin Administration as a Prophylaxis against Rheumatic Fever among Ismailia District Students Aged between 5–15 Years', Suez Canal University Medical Journal, 28(1), pp. 8-15. doi: 10.21608/scumj.2025.400508
Desouky, E., Tawfik, M., Mohamed, Y., Sabry, A. Prevalence of Regular Long-Acting Penicillin Administration as a Prophylaxis against Rheumatic Fever among Ismailia District Students Aged between 5–15 Years. Suez Canal University Medical Journal, 2025; 28(1): 8-15. doi: 10.21608/scumj.2025.400508
Prevalence of Regular Long-Acting Penicillin Administration as a Prophylaxis against Rheumatic Fever among Ismailia District Students Aged between 5–15 Years
Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Egypt.
Abstract
Background:Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is a delayed sequela of streptococcal pharyngitis that involves many body systems. Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a serious health problem that leads to long-term morbidity and mortality. Intramuscular Long-acting penicillin (LAP) is the most effective antimicrobial agent in secondary prevention of RF, yet the overdiagnosis and unindicated use of LAP puts the children in avoidable hazards. Aim:To assess the non-indicated long-term use of long-acting penicillin as a prophylaxis against rheumatic fever among Ismailia district students. Subjects & Methods: This descriptive survey included 2180 students aged between 6 – 15 years in Ismailia government urban schools between October 2022 and April 2023. The children had comprehensive history taking, and those who reported LAP administration were asked for their previous investigations. Results: Twenty-one students (1%) reported LAP administration as prophylaxis of ARF. Only 7 students had definite ARF based on the Jones criteria. Six students (0.28%) had evidence of chronic RHD. Ten students discontinued the injections, 4 of them were against medical advice. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of unindicated use of long-acting penicillin among basic education students due to overdiagnosis of ARF.Also, the criteria of diagnosis and regimen of treatment were variable.
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