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Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis of Acute Rheumatic FeverThe diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever relies on a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory studies. Diagnosis is usually made using the Jones criteria, which have recently been updated in 2015.
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Left ventricular remodelling in rheumatic heart disease – trends over time and implications for follow-up in childhoodRheumatic heart disease (RHD) is the most common form of acquired heart disease worldwide. In RHD, volume loading from mitral regurgitation leads to left ventricular (LV) dilatation, increased wall stress, and ultimately LV dysfunction. Improved understanding of LV dynamics may contribute to refined timing of intervention.
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Development of a sustained release implant of benzathine penicillin G for secondary prophylaxis of rheumatic heart diseaseRegular intramuscular (i.m.) benzathine penicillin G (BPG) injections have been the cornerstone of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) secondary prophylaxis since the 1950s. Patient adherence to IM BPG is poor, largely due to pain, the need for regular injections every 3-4 weeks and health sector delivery challenges in resource-limited settings. There is an urgent need for new approaches for secondary prophylaxis, such as an implant which could provide sustained penicillin concentrations for more than 6 months.
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The evidence that rheumatic heart disease control programs in Australia are making an impactRheumatic heart disease (RHD) comprises heart-valve damage caused by acute rheumatic fever (ARF). The Australian Government Rheumatic Fever Strategy funds RHD Control Programs to support detection and management of ARF and RHD. We assessed epidemiological changes during the years of RHD Control Program operation.
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Acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart diseaseAcute rheumatic fever (ARF) is the result of an autoimmune response to pharyngitis caused by infection with group A Streptococcus.
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Establishing a Western Australian Congenital and Acquired Heart Disease DatabaseThe main objective of the study is to establish a comprehensive register of congenital and acquired heart disease in WA with accurate re-classification of all cases through Princess Margart Hospital using international diagnostic codes.
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Evaluating the genetic contribution to rheumatic heart disease pathogenesis in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communitiesWe are conducting a genetic study to better understand why some people are susceptible to RHD and others are not.
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Head-to-head Pharmacokinetic Comparison of Bicillin ® L-A versus Lyophilised (Powdered) Benzathine Penicillin G administered by the Intramuscular and Subcutaneous RoutesFiji has one of the highest burdens of RHD is in the world and RHD is the second most common cause of death in young people in Fiji.
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Pacific Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) ProgramThe goal of the program is to establish the foundations of an effective, sustainable and equitable response to RHD in the Pacific.
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What influences the implementation of health checks in the prevention and early detection of chronic diseases among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australian health careChronic disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. A comprehensive health assessment is available as an annual health check (HC) to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through the Medicare Benefits Schedule in primary health care settings. This review aims to systematically identify contextual and mechanistic factors that contribute to the success or failure of implementing effective HCs in the prevention and early detection of chronic diseases among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australian primary health care (PHC).