Rheumatic chorea in children. A review of fifty-four cases

Fifty-four cases of rheumatic chorea are reviewed. Ages ranged from five to 14 years with a mean of 9 1/2 years. The sex ratio was 3.8. The diagnosis was based on presence of choreic movements with evidence of active rheumatic fever with or without carditis. Laboratory tests indicated moderate inflammation in most instances, Two thirds of patients had positive tests for antistreptolysin O. Patients were kept in a quiet room and given penicillin and neuroleptics with or without corticosteroids. Choreic movements disappeared within one month in most cases, Twenty-five per cent of patients had one or more recurrences during the first two years; ten patients had persistent cardiac involvement. Prophylaxis with penicillin was given routinely.