Which of the following is an effect of steroids in the treatment of Rheumatic fever?

The correct answer is reducing inflammation. In the context of treating rheumatic fever, one of the primary uses of corticosteroids is to alleviate the intense inflammatory response associated with this condition. Rheumatic fever is a complication that can arise after a streptococcal throat infection, and it often leads to inflammation of the heart, joints, skin, and nervous system.

Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory agents that can effectively mitigate this inflammation, which can help prevent long-term damage, especially to the heart, and improve the patient's symptoms, such as pain and swelling. Additionally, reducing the inflammatory process contributes to a better overall healing environment following the acute illness.

Options that suggest boosting the immune system or enhancing antibiotic efficacy do not align with the primary purpose of steroids in this scenario. Steroids do not bolster the immune response; in fact, they can have an immunosuppressive effect. Similarly, while antibiotics treat the underlying streptococcal infection, corticosteroids do not enhance their effectiveness. The option related to stimulating heart function also does not represent the role of steroids; they do not directly increase cardiac output but rather focus on managing inflammation.