The objective was to compare the efficacy and safety of naproxen (NXN) to acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) in the treatment of acute rheumatic fever (ARF). The data of 338 children were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were grouped according to joint and valve involvement and also drug chosen [methyl prednisolone (mPSL), ASA or NXN]. The treatment results and adverse events in each group were compared. The mean age was 10.3 years and the median follow-up was 62 months. Median time for normalization of acute phase reactants was 1 week in patients given steroids and 2 weeks in patients given ASA or NXN. ASA was replaced with NXN in 18 patients (10.2%) due to hepatic toxicity. The rate of rebound, recurrence and the prevalence of rheumatic valve disease were not different in patients given NXN, ASA or mPSL. In conclusion, NXN is a safe and effective alternative to ASA in the treatment of ARF in children.

Keywords: acetylsalicylic acid, acute rheumatic fever, adverse events, efficacy, naproxen