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The study involving 48 patients with the preliminary diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome aged 54-78 years included analysis of clinical, laboratory and instrumental data for subgroups with different definitive diagnosis (myocardial infarction and unstable angina in 28 and 22 patients respectively). On the whole, the mean content of HSP-70 at admission averaged 2.1 ± 0.3 ng/ml and decreased to 1.6 ± 0.4 ng/ml (p < 0.05) after therapy. In the subgroup with myocardial infarction, the HSP-70 level (1.6 ± 0.4 ng/ml) was significantly lower than in patients with unstable angina (2.1 ± 0.3 ng/ml); p < 0.05. The reduced HSP-70 level associated with a severe myocardial lesion gives evidence against the hypothesis of these proteins as markers of myocardial dysfunction whereas a rise in their content at the onset of ischemic process suggests their protective role.

This lecture-style paper highlights all major problems pertinent to rheumatic fever Definition of acute RF and chronic rheumatic heart disease is proposed and desirability of the use of these terms in clinical practice is explained. Present-day epidemiology of RF is described with reference to marked differences in its prevalence in developed and developing countries. Modern classification of acute RF is described as adopted by the Russian Association of Rheumatologists and recommended for the use in Russian medical facilities. Discussion of etiological issues is focused on such virulence factors as beta-hemolytic streptococcus A and genetic predisposition confirming hereditary nature of RE Its clinical features are described along with laboratory and instrumental methods applied for its diagnostics. Large and small diagnostic criteria of RF are considered. Special attention is given to the treatment of RF and its complications (antibiotic, pathogenetic, and drug therapy). Its primary and secondary prophylaxis is discussed in detail, preparations for the purpose are listed (with doses and duration of application). In conclusion, criteria for the efficacy of therapy are presented along with indications for hospitalization and emergency treatment.