Journal of clinical rheumatology : practical reports on rheumatic & musculoskeletal diseases
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By the late 1980s, acute rheumatic fever (ARF) had become a rare disease in Taiwan. The low prevalence rate in this area is attributed to a better economic status, which has led to improved public health and adequate medical services. ⋯ Clinicians must provide careful assessment and treatment to patients presenting with acute pharyngitis. A possible resurgence of ARF can be eradicated by primary prevention of streptococcal pharyngitis.
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The idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are a heterogeneous group of conditions characterized by chronic inflammation of muscles, resulting in skeletal muscle weakness. Racial differences are apparent in the clinical manifestations and outcome of IIM. No previous studies have been conducted to evaluate the clinical manifestations and outcome of Puerto Ricans with IIM. ⋯ Puerto Ricans with IIM in this survey showed a low presence of visceral involvement, high remission rate, and low mortality.