Mitral stenosis primary prevention
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Mohammed A. Sbeih, M.D. [2]
Overview
Prevention of rheumatic fever (the most common cause of mitral stenosis) is the best way to prevent development of this valvular heart disease. Any child who has a sore throat should see a doctor to treat any case of strep throat infections (by antibiotics) before progresses to rheumatic fever.
Prevention
Early antibiotic treatment of streptococcal infection prevents rheumatic fever and the development of mitral stenosis later on. The incidence of rheumatic fever decreased before introduction of antibiotics, suggesting that other factors are involved.