How long will a child with valvular disease post-rheumatic fever need prophylactic antibiotics?

A child who has developed valvular disease as a consequence of rheumatic fever requires lifelong prophylactic antibiotics. This is critical in order to prevent recurrent rheumatic fever and further damage to the heart. The rationale behind this recommendation is that patients with valvular disease are at an elevated risk for reinfection, which could lead to worsening heart conditions, including heart failure or serious complications such as infective endocarditis.

While certain cases might suggest limited durations for antibiotic prophylaxis in other cardiac conditions or non-valvular cases, rheumatic heart disease—especially when there is established valvular damage—mandates ongoing protection. Therefore, lifelong prophylaxis is essential to safeguard the child's health throughout their life, ensuring that they maintain a lower risk for serious cardiac events stemming from recurrent rheumatic fever episodes.