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Pattern of hospital admissions and costs associated with acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in Australia, 2012–2017

This study aims to describe the pattern and trends in acute rheumatic fever (ARF)/rheumatic heart disease (RHD)-related hospitalisations and costs for Australians aged <65 years.  

"Hurts less, lasts longer"; a qualitative study on experiences of young people receiving high-dose subcutaneous injections of benzathine penicillin G to prevent rheumatic heart disease in New Zealand

Here we describe the experiences of young people living with ARF participating in a Phase-II trial of SubCutaneous Injections of BPG.

Outcomes of rheumatic fever in Uganda: a prospective cohort study

Rheumatic heart disease is the largest contributor to cardiac-related mortality in children worldwide. Outcomes in endemic settings after its antecedent illness, acute rheumatic fever, are not well understood. We aimed to describe 3-5 year mortality, acute rheumatic fever recurrence, changes in carditis, and correlates of mortality after acute rheumatic fever. 

Missed Opportunities for Diagnosing Acute Rheumatic Fever

We have read with interest the new publication by Rouhiainen and colleagues on missed opportunities for preventing or diagnosing acute rheumatic fever (ARF).

Specificity of the Modified Jones Criteria

Jonathan Carapetis AM AM MBBS FRACP FAFPHM PhD FAHMS Co-Head, Strep A Translation; Co-Founder of REACH 08 6319 1000 contact@thekids.org.au Head,

Excess Deaths Associated with Rheumatic Heart Disease, Australia, 2013-2017

During 2013–2017, the mortality rate ratio for rheumatic heart disease among Indigenous versus non-Indigenous persons in Australia was 15.9, reflecting health inequity. Using excess mortality methods, we found that deaths associated with rheumatic heart disease among Indigenous Australians were probably substantially undercounted, affecting accuracy of calculations based solely on Australian Bureau of Statistics data.

Outcomes of latent rheumatic heart disease: External validation of a simplified score in patients with and without secondary prophylaxis

Secondary antibiotic prophylaxis reduces progression of latent rheumatic heart disease (RHD) but not all children benefit. Improved risk stratification could refine recommendations following positive screening. We aimed to evaluate the performance of a previously developed echocardiographic risk score to predict mid-term outcomes among children with latent RHD. 

The case for global investment in rheumatic heart-disease control

The review built a case for extending simple and cost–effective measures to all countries. Had these recommendations been put into action, significant...

Changes in the clinical and epidemiological features of group A streptococcal bacteraemia in Australia's northern territory

We aimed to measure the incidence and severity of invasive Group A Strep disease in the NT since 1996.

The second rheumatic heart disease forum report

Building on the foundation of the first RHD forum, over 150 interested participants met to discuss critical issues on the RHD landscape.