الفهرس 
INTRODUCTIONOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Rheumatic fever is a systemic disease affecting the peri-arteriolar connective tissue and can occur after an untreated GABHS pharyngeal infection. In acute rheumatic fever, these lesions can be found in any layer of the heart and is hence called pancarditis.
In Egypt, RHD is a significant health problem, with an estimated prevalence of 5.1 per 1000 school child. The impact of disease is aggravated by low public awareness, the lack of appropriate and early diagnosis and the low socioeconomic status of affected families. Poor transport facilities, overburdened clinics and overcrowding also add to the problem.
Although rheumatic fever (RF) and its most important sequel, rheumatic heart disease (RHD), are worldwide problems, they are most prevalent in developing countries. In these countries, RF accounts for up to 60% of all cardiovascular disease in children and young adults, and it has the potential to undermine national productivity, since young adults are the most productive segment of the population in these countries.
Impact of RHD problems are many like health burden on, psychological and social burden, financial burden, schooling achievement this is because poor health generally imposes cost on the society and individuals in terms of reduced ability to enjoy life, earn a living or to work effectively.
The aim of our work is to assess the socioeconomic state among children with Rheumatic fever/Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD).
Our study was a cross-sectional study was carried on 200 children who were diagnosed to have RF/ RHD attending the cardiology clinic at the Alexandria university children hospital for assessment ,follow up and management.