MS-0263

A 6-year-old boy is brought to the paediatrician by his parents due to a fever and sore throat that has been bothering him for the past 24 hours. The boy is experiencing significant discomfort in his throat and has been refusing to eat or drink. He does not report having a cough or a runny nose. The boy was delivered via spontaneous vaginal delivery and has been developing normally. He has two healthy older siblings. During the examination, the doctor observes that the boy’s tonsils are inflamed and enlarged, with some white exudates, as well as enlarged cervical lymph nodes. The boy’s temperature is 38.2 °C. The doctor informs the parents that the boy requires antibiotics to treat the current infection and prevent the risk of a severe complication commonly associated with this particular infection. What complication can be prevented with prompt antibiotic treatment?