Treatment of Rheumatic Fever Patients With and Without Salicylates

Competent investigators¹have shown that the salicylates are not specific in rheumatic fever but rather that they are merely extremely efficient analgesics and antipyretics for this disease. There is still, however, a belief that the salicylates prevent cardiac complications and shorten the duration of the illness. In a study of fifteen patients, Hanzlik²found that salicylates shortened the hospital stay and stated that the sequelae of pericarditis and effusions appear to be less and that the general circulatory result is better than without treatment. White³states that if the salicylates are used, much heart disease can be averted. Levy and Turner,⁴using the electrocardiogram, found that salicylates improved faulty conduction between the auricles and the ventricles. To such an extent has this feeling progressed that Kerley⁵advises its administration to children predisposed to heart disease, and Epstein⁶recommends its routine use in the form