The changing prevalence and pattern of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in Hong Kong--(1968-1978).

The occurrence and pattern of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in Hong Kong in the years 1968 to 1978 were surveyed. The incidence of rheumatic fever in hospitals had decreased by four-fifths in the past 10 years. Rheumatic fever nowadays still predominantly affects children and younger adults, but middle-aged patients may also be affected. There are a slight female dominance (1.3 to 1) and a relative predominance of patients from urban areas. A less severe form of manifestation in adult patients is encountered nowadays. Carditis was the dominant feature in 1968, but joint involvement was more common in recent years. Rheumatic nodules, chorea or erythema marginatum remained uncommon throughout the years. Only 49% of cases satisfied the revised Jones criteria (1965). In comparison, chronic rheumatic heart disease still remained prevalent, with a slower trend of decreasing prevalence. It accounted for (36 to 50%) of total cardiac admissions. The mitral valve was involved in (82.7 to 91.7%), aortic valve in (15.5 to 36.3%), while involvement of tricuspid or pulmonary valve was relatively uncommon. The socio-economic implication of this changing trend was analysed, and the problem encountered in diagnosing rheumatic fever discussed.