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Research
Echocardiographic screening for rheumatic heart disease in indigenous Australian children: A cost-utility analysisEchocardiographic screening for rheumatic heart disease is cost-effective in our context
Research
Rheumatic Heart Disease Severity, Progression and Outcomes: A Multi‐State ModelThe prognosis of young Indigenous Australians diagnosed with severe RHD is bleak; interventions must focus on earlier detection and treatment
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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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Outcomes of latent rheumatic heart disease: External validation of a simplified score in patients with and without secondary prophylaxisSecondary 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.
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The Spectrum, Severity and Outcomes of Rheumatic Mitral Valve Disease in Pregnant Women in Australia and New ZealandRheumatic heart disease (RHD) poses significant perinatal risks. We aimed to describe the spectrum, severity and outcomes of rheumatic mitral valve disease in pregnancy in Australia and New Zealand.
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Roadmap to incorporating group A Streptococcus molecular point-of-care testing for remote Australia: a key activity to eliminate rheumatic heart diseaseJonathan Asha Dylan Rosemary Janessa Carapetis AM Bowen Barth Wyber Pickering AM MBBS FRACP FAFPHM PhD FAHMS BA MBBS DCH FRACP PhD GAICD FAHMS OAM
Research
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.
Research
Incidence of acute rheumatic fever in northern and western Uganda: a prospective, population-based studyAcute rheumatic fever is infrequently diagnosed in sub-Saharan African countries despite the high prevalence of rheumatic heart disease. We aimed to determine the incidence of acute rheumatic fever in northern and western Uganda.

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Visit from On Track Watch Community Researchers helps build a pathway of looking at two different culturesFor Aboriginal Community Researchers Minitja Marawili and Yunutju Gondarra, the work of the END RHD CRE is deeply personal.