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Early rheumatic heart disease is a recognized intermediate on the pathway to advanced rheumatic heart disease

Rheumatic heart disease is a major cause of premature cardiovascular morbidity and mortality globally. Over the past decade, echocardiographic screening has changed our understanding of the natural history of RHD, revealing a high burden of clinically silent, mild RHD among people who cannot recall a history of preceding acute rheumatic fever. This viewpoint outlines the evidence that this earliest form of rheumatic heart disease, only detectable through echocardiographic screening, is an intermediate stage that many, but not all, individuals may pass through on the pathway to advanced rheumatic heart disease.

Trends in incident acute rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease in Indigenous youth in Western Australia: a retrospective cohort study

To determine age-specific and age-standardised incidence trends of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) or rheumatic heart disease (RHD) among Indigenous Western Australians aged less than 35 years of age.

Scoping review of variation in clinical guidelines for delivery of injectable long-acting penicillin across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand

This scoping review explores existing clinical guidelines on administration of benzathine benzylpenicillin (Bicillin L-A, Pfizer Australia) in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. The objective is to understand existing delivery guidance to address variation in care and cultural safety considerations, to support messaging during periods of stockout and to inform planning for new administration techniques.

Determinants of secondary prophylaxis for childhood rheumatic heart disease in Ethiopia: A qualitative study of children and caregivers

Rheumatic heart disease remains a major public health challenge in Ethiopia, particularly among children. Monthly intramuscular benzathine penicillin G is the cornerstone of secondary prophylaxis, yet adherence and delivery are suboptimal. This study explores the lived experiences of children and adolescents with RHD, capturing their direct voices and those of their caregivers to understand determinants of secondary prophylaxis uptake.

Cardiovascular outcomes for Australian women with rheumatic heart disease during pregnancy: A retrospective linked data analysis, 2002–2017

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is the acquired autoimmune heart valve damage resulting from untreated infection with the Streptococcus pyogenes bacterium, which affects people experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage globally. This study measured RHD-associated major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and the increased risk associated with pregnancy among women diagnosed with RHD. 

Endgame for deadly heart disease will save hundreds of lives

Rheumatic heart disease, a deadly yet entirely preventable heart disease taking the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, is finally on the verge of elimination thanks to new research

For kids, by kids: New “Boom Boom” song teaches children how to prevent deadly heart disease

Once you hear it, you won’t be able to get it out of your head – and that’s exactly the point of the new song ‘Boom Boom’.

Preventing RHD through community-driven activities

Health activities driven by remote Indigenous communities may be key to the sustainable and successful treatment and prevention of a potentially fatal disease, a study has found.

Community collaboration ensures ending RHD is everybody’s business

Collaboration is the driving force behind ‘END RHD Demonstration Communities’ – a new community-driven, research-backed approach to tackling rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in remote Australia.

New RHD research collaboration with Danila Dilba Health Service

The Kids Research Institute Australia and Menzies School of Health Research have joined forces with Danila Dilba Health Service to look at improving treatment for RHD.