Corticosteroid treatment in patients with Sydenham's chorea

  • Pediatr Neurol. 2005 Mar;32(3):205-7. doi: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2004.09.012.
Judith Barash  1 ,  Dov Margalith ,  Abraham Matitiau
Affiliations
  • 1. Pediatric Rheumatology, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
PMID: 15730904 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2004.09.012
Abstract

Sydenham's chorea occurs in approximately 10% of acute rheumatic fever and is one of its major manifestations. The disease may last for weeks or months, with a high risk of recurrence; usually only supportive treatment is recommended. This report describes five children diagnosed with Sydenham's chorea and treated with a short course of corticosteroids. Marked improvement of the involuntary movements was observed within 24-48 hours, with complete resolution within 7-12 days after commencement of treatment; there were no relapses. Larger, possibly comparative studies are necessary, but in the meantime treatment with corticosteroids in patients with Sydenham's chorea should be considered.