Sydenham's Chorea: A Practical Overview of the Current Literature

Author(s):
Oosterveer, D.M.; Overweg-Plandsoen, W.C.T.; Roos, R.A.C. (0000-0001-5591-1133)
Published
2010
Publication type
Article / Letter to editor

Abstract

Sydenham's chorea is characterized by uncoordinated movements, emotional instability, and hypotonia. It can occur up to several months after group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus infection. A diagnosis of Sydenham's chorea in a patient with acute chorea involves an application of the Jones criteria and the exclusion of other causes of chorea. In patients with an atypical history or hemichorea, cranial magnetic resonance imaging is indicated to exclude other cerebral pathologies. A pathogenesis has not been elucidated, and therapy has not been investigated in placebo-controlled trials. Antibiotic treatment and a 2-week or 3-week schedule of antibiotic prophylaxis are recommended. If the chorea is severe, valproate or carbamazepine can be effective. In more severely affected patients, dopamine receptor blocking agents or corticosteroids can be used. (C) 2010 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

basal ganglia antibodies benzathine penicillin-g acute rheumatic-fever of-the-literature neuropsychiatric disorders streptococcal infections autoimmune disorders childhood disorders sodium valproate jones criteria
Date issued
2010-07-31
Language
English
Is part of
Pediatric Neurology (2010), Vol. 43, no. 1, p. 1-6
hdl
1887/117791
doi
10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2009.11.015