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Palafox B, Mocumbi AO, Kumar RK, Ali SKM, Kennedy E, Haileamlak A, Watkins D, Petricca K, Wyber R, Timeon P, Mwangi J. The WHF Roadmap for Reducing CV Morbidity and Mortality Through Prevention and Control of RHD. Glob Heart 2017; 12:47-62. [PMID: 28336386 DOI: 10.1016/j.gheart.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a preventable non-communicable condition that disproportionately affects the world's poorest and most vulnerable. The World Heart Federation Roadmap for improved RHD control is a resource designed to help a variety of stakeholders raise the profile of RHD nationally and globally, and provide a framework to guide and support the strengthening of national, regional and global RHD control efforts. The Roadmap identifies the barriers that limit access to and uptake of proven interventions for the prevention and control of RHD. It also highlights a variety of established and promising solutions that may be used to overcome these barriers. As a general guide, the Roadmap is meant to serve as the foundation for the development of tailored plans of action to improve RHD control in specific contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Palafox
- ECOHOST -The Centre for Health and Social Change, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Ana Olga Mocumbi
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde, Ministério da Saúde and Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Moçambique
| | - R Krishna Kumar
- Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Cochin, Kerala, India
| | - Sulafa K M Ali
- University of Khartoum and Sudan Heart Center, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Elizabeth Kennedy
- Fiji RHD Prevention and Control Project, Ministry of Health and Medical Services and Cure Kids New Zealand, Suva, Fiji
| | | | - David Watkins
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kadia Petricca
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rosemary Wyber
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing clinical decision rules (CDRs) to diagnose group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis have not been validated in sub-Saharan Africa. We developed a locally applicable CDR while evaluating existing CDRs for diagnosing GAS pharyngitis in South African children. METHODS We conducted a prospective cohort study and enrolled 997 children 3-15 years of age presenting to primary care clinics with a complaint of sore throat, and whose parents provided consent. Main outcome measures were signs and symptoms of pharyngitis and a positive GAS culture from a throat swab. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to develop the CDR. In addition, the diagnostic effectiveness of 6 existing rules for predicting a positive culture in our cohort was assessed. RESULTS A total of 206 of 982 children (21%) had a positive GAS culture. Tonsillar swelling, tonsillar exudates, tender or enlarged anterior cervical lymph nodes, absence of cough and absence of rhinorrhea were associated with positive cultures in bivariate and multivariate analyses. Four variables (tonsillar swelling and one of tonsillar exudate, no rhinorrhea, no cough), when used in a cumulative score, showed 83.7% sensitivity and 32.2% specificity for GAS pharyngitis. Of existing rules tested, the rule by McIsaac et al had the highest positive predictive value (28%), but missed 49% of the culture-positive children who should have been treated. CONCLUSION The new 4-variable CDR for GAS pharyngitis (ie, tonsillar swelling and one of tonsillar exudate, no rhinorrhea, no cough) outperformed existing rules for GAS pharyngitis diagnosis in children with symptomatic sore throat in Cape Town.
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Rheumatic Fever. Infect Dis (Lond) 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-7020-6285-8.00052-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Watkins D, Lubinga SJ, Mayosi B, Babigumira JB. A Cost-Effectiveness Tool to Guide the Prioritization of Interventions for Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease Control in African Nations. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004860. [PMID: 27512994 PMCID: PMC4981376 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) prevalence and mortality rates remain especially high in many parts of Africa. While effective prevention and treatment exist, coverage rates of the various interventions are low. Little is known about the comparative cost-effectiveness of different RHD interventions in limited resource settings. We developed an economic evaluation tool to assist ministries of health in allocating resources and planning RHD control programs. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We constructed a Markov model of the natural history of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and RHD, taking transition probabilities and intervention effectiveness data from previously published studies and expert opinion. Our model estimates the incremental cost-effectiveness of scaling up coverage of primary prevention (PP), secondary prevention (SP) and heart valve surgery (VS) interventions for RHD. We take a healthcare system perspective on costs and measure outcomes as disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), discounting both at 3%. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses are also built into the modeling tool. We illustrate the use of this model in a hypothetical low-income African country, drawing on available disease burden and cost data. We found that, in our hypothetical country, PP would be cost saving and SP would be very cost-effective. International referral for VS (e.g., to a country like India that has existing surgical capacity) would be cost-effective, but building in-country VS services would not be cost-effective at typical low-income country thresholds. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our cost-effectiveness analysis tool is designed to inform priorities for ARF/RHD control programs in Africa at the national or subnational level. In contrast to previous literature, our preliminary findings suggest PP could be the most efficient and cheapest approach in poor countries. We provide our model for public use in the form of a Supplementary File. Our research has immediate policy relevance and calls for renewed efforts to scale up RHD prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Watkins
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Solomon J. Lubinga
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Bongani Mayosi
- Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Joseph B. Babigumira
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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Status of research and development of vaccines for Streptococcus pyogenes. Vaccine 2016; 34:2953-2958. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.03.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Horinouchi T, Nozu K, Hamahira K, Inaguma Y, Abe J, Nakajima H, Kugo M, Iijima K. Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection in Kawasaki disease and its clinical characteristics. BMC Pediatr 2015; 15:177. [PMID: 26561332 PMCID: PMC4642785 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-015-0497-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The etiology of Kawasaki disease (KD) is unknown. Reportedly, there is an association between KD and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (YPT). Steroid therapy for KD patients with high risk of cardiac sequelae (CS) has been reported; however, the number of reports is limited. Methods We conducted a prospective study of 108 patients with newly diagnosed KD in one year to determine how many KD patients have positive anti-YPT antibody titers and/or positive anti-YPT-derived mitogen (YPM) antibody titers. In addition, we tried to identify clinical differences between KD patients in whom YPT infection was or not a contributing factor. We also compared clinical characteristics of patients treated with the protocol of the Randomized controlled trial to Assess Immunoglobulin plus Steroid Efficacy for Kawasaki disease (RAISE) study (RAISE group) and with the conventional Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) protocol (conventional group). Results Eleven patients (10 %) were positive for anti-YPT and/or anti-YPM antibodies (positive group) and 97 (90 %) were negative (negative group). Cardiac sequelae (CS) occurred significantly more frequently in the positive than the negative group (two patients, 18 % vs one patient, 1 %, p = 0.027). Forty patients were in the RAISE group. Two of 40 (5 %) in the RAISE group and one of 68 (1.47 %) in the conventional group had CS (p = 0.55). Conclusions KD patients with YPT infection had CS significantly more frequently and treatment with RAISE protocol did not decrease the frequency of CS in our cohort, nor did YPT infection affect risk scores of no response to IVIG. However, our sample size was overly small to draw such conclusions. Further investigation in a larger cohort is necessary to confirm our findings. Additionally, further research is needed to determine whether early diagnosis of YPT can prevent KD from developing and reduce the incidence of CS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Horinouchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Japanese Red Cross Society Himeji Hospital, Hyogo, Japan.
| | - Kandai Nozu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Japan.
| | - Kiyoshi Hamahira
- Department of Pediatrics, Japanese Red Cross Society Himeji Hospital, Hyogo, Japan.
| | - Yosuke Inaguma
- Department of Pediatrics, Japanese Red Cross Society Himeji Hospital, Hyogo, Japan.
| | - Jun Abe
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Nakajima
- Department of Bacteriology, Okayama Prefectural Institute for Environmental Science and Public Health, Okayama, Japan.
| | - Masaaki Kugo
- Department of Pediatrics, Japanese Red Cross Society Himeji Hospital, Hyogo, Japan.
| | - Kazumoto Iijima
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine McMurray
- Palmetto Health Children's Hospital, Columbia, South Carolina; and Department of Pediatrics, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Matthew Garber
- Palmetto Health Children's Hospital, Columbia, South Carolina; and Department of Pediatrics, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina
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Herath VCK, Carapetis J. Sore throat: Is it such a big deal anymore? J Infect 2015; 71 Suppl 1:S101-5. [PMID: 25917806 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2015.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Sore throat remains a common disease of childhood, and a major cost and cause for antibiotic prescriptions. The management of sore throat remains controversial in affluent countries with various guidelines available and overall poor adherence to those guidelines. Group A streptococcus is the commonest bacterial cause with important sequelae including acute rheumatic fever (ARF). The driver for diagnosis and treatment is still questionable. In most affluent populations it is difficult to justify antibiotic treatment on the basis of preventing ARF, whereas this remains the major driver for sore throat management in populations at higher risk of ARF. Reduction in severity and duration of symptoms may be a reasonable basis to consider antibiotic treatment, and thus accurate diagnosis of GAS pharyngitis, particularly in those with more severe symptoms. The potential role of rapid tests in diagnosis appears to be increasing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verangi C K Herath
- Department of Paediatrics, Royal Darwin Hospital, 105 Rockland Drive, Tiwi, Northern Territory 0810, Australia.
| | - Jonathan Carapetis
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, West Perth, Western Australia 6872, Australia; Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Subiaco, Perth, Western Australia 6008, Australia.
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Watson G, Jallow B, Le Doare K, Pushparajah K, Anderson ST. Acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in resource-limited settings. Arch Dis Child 2015; 100:370-5. [PMID: 25784737 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2014-307938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Poststreptococcal complications, such as acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD), are common in resource-limited settings, with RHD recognised as the most common cause of paediatric heart disease worldwide. Managing these conditions in resource-limited settings can be challenging. We review the investigation and treatment options for ARF and RHD and, most importantly, prevention methods in an African setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bintou Jallow
- Gambia Unit, Medical Research Council, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Kirsty Le Doare
- Gambia Unit, Medical Research Council, Fajara, The Gambia Wellcome Centre for Global Health Research, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Kuberan Pushparajah
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Azevedo PM, Pereira RMR. Acute rheumatic fever. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-09138-1.00111-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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Abstract
Few diseases have experienced such a remarkable change in their epidemiology over the past century, without the influence of a vaccine, than rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever has all but disappeared from industrialised countries after being a frequent problem in the 1940s and 1950s. That the disease still occurs at high incidence in resource limited settings and in Indigenous populations in industrialised countries, particularly in Australia and New Zealand, is an indication of the profound effect of socio-economic factors on the disease. Although there have been major changes in the epidemiology of rheumatic fever, diagnosis remains reliant on careful clinical judgement and management is remarkably similar to that 50 years ago. Over the past decade, increasing attention has been given to rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease as public health issues, including in Australia and particularly in New Zealand, as well as in selected low and middle income countries. Perhaps the greatest hope for public health control of rheumatic fever is the development of a vaccine against Streptococcus pyogenes, and there are encouraging initiatives in this area. However, an effective vaccine is some time away and in the meantime public health efforts need to focus on effective translation of the known evidence around primary and secondary prophylaxis into policy and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Steer
- Centre for International Child Health, Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Group A Streptococcal Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of General Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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62
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Barbosa Júnior AR, Oliveira CDL, Fontes MJF, Lasmar LMDLBF, Camargos PAM. [Diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis in children and adolescents: clinical picture limitations]. REVISTA PAULISTA DE PEDIATRIA : ORGAO OFICIAL DA SOCIEDADE DE PEDIATRIA DE SAO PAULO 2014; 32:285-91. [PMID: 25510990 PMCID: PMC4311780 DOI: 10.1016/j.rpped.2014.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 04/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the utility of clinical features for diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis in pediatrics. METHODS A total of 335 children aged 1-18 years old and presenting clinical manifestations of acute pharyngotonsillitis (APT) were subjected to clinical interviews, physical examinations, and throat swab specimen collection to perform cultures and latex particle agglutination tests (LPATs) for group A streptococcus (GAS) detection. Signs and symptoms of patients were compared to their throat cultures and LPATs results. A clinical score was designed based on the multivariate logistic regression analysis and also was compared to throat cultures and LPATs results. Positive throat cultures and/ or LPATs results were used as a reference standard to establish definitive streptococcal APT diagnosis. RESULTS 78 children (23.4%) showed positivity for GAS in at least one of the two diagnostic tests. Coryza absence (odds ratio [OR]=1.80; p=0.040), conjunctivitis absence (OR=2.47; p=0.029), pharyngeal erythema (OR=3.99; p=0.006), pharyngeal exudate (OR=2.02; p=0.011), and tonsillar swelling (OR=2.60; p=0.007) were significantly associated with streptococcal pharyngotonsilitis. The highest clinical score, characterized by coryza absense, pharyngeal exudate, and pharyngeal erythema had a 45.6% sensitivity, a 74.5% especificity, and a likelihood ratio of 1.79 for streptococcal pharyngotonsilitis. CONCLUSIONS Clinical presentation should not be used to confirm streptococcal pharyngotonsilitis, because its performance as a diagnostic test is low. Thus, it is necessary to enhance laboratory test availability, especially of LPATs that allow an acurate and fast diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngotonsilitis.
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Barbosa Júnior AR, Oliveira CDL, Fontes MJF, Lasmar LMDLBF, Camargos PAM. Diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis in children and adolescents: clinical picture limitations. REVISTA PAULISTA DE PEDIATRIA 2014. [DOI: 10.1590/s0103-05822014000400002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the utility of clinical features for diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis in pediatrics.METHODS: A total of 335 children aged 1-18 years old and presenting clinical manifestations of acute pharyngotonsillitis (APT) were subjected to clinical interviews, physical examinations, and throat swab specimen collection to perform cultures and latex particle agglutination tests (LPATs) for group A streptococcus (GAS) detection. Signs and symptoms of patients were compared to their throat cultures and LPATs results. A clinical score was designed based on the multivariate logistic regression analysis and also was compared to throat cultures and LPATs results. Positive throat cultures and/or LPATs results were used as a reference standard to establish definitive streptococcal APT diagnosis.RESULTS: 78 children (23.4%) showed positivity for GAS in at least one of the two diagnostic tests. Coryza absence (odds ratio [OR]=1.80; p=0.040), conjunctivitis absence (OR=2.47; p=0.029), pharyngeal erythema (OR=3.99; p=0.006), pharyngeal exudate (OR=2.02; p=0.011), and tonsillar swelling (OR=2.60; p=0.007) were significantly associated with streptococcal pharyngotonsilitis. The highest clinical score, characterized by coryza absense, pharyngeal exudate, and pharyngeal erythema had a 45.6% sensitivity, a 74.5% especificity, and a likelihood ratio of 1.79 for streptococcal pharyngotonsilitis.CONCLUSIONS: Clinical presentation should not be used to confirm streptococcal pharyngotonsilitis, because its performance as a diagnostic test is low. Thus, it is necessary to enhance laboratory test availability, especially of LPATs that allow an acurate and fast diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngotonsilitis.
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Van Brusselen D, Vlieghe E, Schelstraete P, De Meulder F, Vandeputte C, Garmyn K, Laffut W, Van de Voorde P. Streptococcal pharyngitis in children: to treat or not to treat? Eur J Pediatr 2014; 173:1275-83. [PMID: 25113742 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-014-2395-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Revised: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Controversy remains about the need for antibiotic therapy of group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis in high-resource settings. Guidelines on the management of GAS pharyngitis differ considerably, especially in children. We performed a literature search on the diagnosis and treatment of GAS pharyngitis in children and compared different guidelines with current epidemiology and the available evidence on management. Some European guidelines only recommend antibiotic treatment in certain high-risk patients, while many other, including all American, still advise antimicrobial treatment for all children with GAS pharyngitis, given the severity and re-emerging incidence of complications. Empirical antimicrobial treatment in children with sore throat and a high clinical suspicion of GAS pharyngitis will still result in significant overtreatment of nonstreptococcal pharyngitis. This is costly and leads to emerging antibiotic resistance. Early differential diagnosis between viral and GAS pharyngitis, by means of a 'rapid antigen detection test' (RADT) and/or a throat culture, is therefore needed if 'pro treatment' guidelines are used. CONCLUSION Large scale randomized controlled trials are necessary to assess the value of antibiotics for GAS pharyngitis in high-resource countries, in order to achieve uniform and evidence-based guidelines. The severity and the possibly increasing incidence of complications in school-aged children suggests that testing and treating proven GAS pharyngitis can still be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daan Van Brusselen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium,
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Lean WL, Arnup S, Danchin M, Steer AC. Rapid diagnostic tests for group A streptococcal pharyngitis: a meta-analysis. Pediatrics 2014; 134:771-81. [PMID: 25201792 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2014-1094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Effective management of group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis is hindered by impracticality of the gold standard diagnostic test: throat culture. Rapid antigen diagnostic tests (RADTs) are a promising alternative, although concerns about their sensitivity and specificity, and variation between test methodologies, have limited their clinical use. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review with meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of RADTs for GAS pharyngitis. METHODS Medline and Embase from 1996 to 2013 were used as data sources. Of 159 identified studies, 48 studies of diagnostic accuracy of GAS RADTs using throat culture on blood agar as a reference standard were selected. Bivariate random-effects regression was used to estimate sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Additional meta-analyses were performed for pediatric data. RESULTS A total of 60 pairs of sensitivity and specificity from 48 studies were included. Overall summary estimates for sensitivity and specificity of RADTs were 0.86 (95% CI 0.83 to 0.88) and 0.96 (95% CI 0.94 to 0.97), respectively, and estimates for pediatric data were similar. Molecular-based RADTs had the best diagnostic accuracy. Considerable variability exists in methodology between studies. There were insufficient studies to allow meta-regression/subgroup analysis within each test type. CONCLUSIONS RADTs can be used for accurate diagnosis of GAS pharyngitis to streamline management of sore throat in primary care. RADTs may not require culture backup for negative tests in most low-incidence rheumatic fever settings. Newer molecular tests have the highest sensitivity, but are not true point-of-care tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ling Lean
- Department of General Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sarah Arnup
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit
| | - Margie Danchin
- Department of General Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Group A Streptococcal Research Group, and Vaccine and Immunisation Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; and
| | - Andrew C Steer
- Department of General Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Group A Streptococcal Research Group, and Centre for International Child Health, Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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66
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Teng CL. Antibiotic prescribing for upper respiratory tract infections in the Asia-Pacific region: A brief review. MALAYSIAN FAMILY PHYSICIAN : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE ACADEMY OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS OF MALAYSIA 2014; 9:18-25. [PMID: 25893067 PMCID: PMC4399404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This review highlights the high prevalence of antibiotic use for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in a larger part of the Asia-Pacific region. Since URTIs are one of the common reasons for primary care consultations in this region, inappropriate use of antibiotic in both quantity and drug choice has greatly influenced the development of antibiotic resistance. Notwithstanding the paucity of Asia-Pacific data on the above issues, the available information suggests urgent actions needed to be taken to promote judicious antibiotic use at the point-of-care through a multi-pronged approach targeting the patients/consumers (or parents), healthcare providers and health care systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- CL Teng
- Department of Family Medicine, International Medical University
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67
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Ralph AP, Fittock M, Schultz R, Thompson D, Dowden M, Clemens T, Parnaby MG, Clark M, McDonald MI, Edwards KN, Carapetis JR, Bailie RS. Improvement in rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease management and prevention using a health centre-based continuous quality improvement approach. BMC Health Serv Res 2013; 13:525. [PMID: 24350582 PMCID: PMC3878366 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-13-525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains a major health concern for Aboriginal Australians. A key component of RHD control is prevention of recurrent acute rheumatic fever (ARF) using long-term secondary prophylaxis with intramuscular benzathine penicillin (BPG). This is the most important and cost-effective step in RHD control. However, there are significant challenges to effective implementation of secondary prophylaxis programs. This project aimed to increase understanding and improve quality of RHD care through development and implementation of a continuous quality improvement (CQI) strategy. METHODS We used a CQI strategy to promote implementation of national best-practice ARF/RHD management guidelines at primary health care level in Indigenous communities of the Northern Territory (NT), Australia, 2008-2010. Participatory action research methods were employed to identify system barriers to delivery of high quality care. This entailed facilitated discussion with primary care staff aided by a system assessment tool (SAT). Participants were encouraged to develop and implement strategies to overcome identified barriers, including better record-keeping, triage systems and strategies for patient follow-up. To assess performance, clinical records were audited at baseline, then annually for two years. Key performance indicators included proportion of people receiving adequate secondary prophylaxis (≥80% of scheduled 4-weekly penicillin injections) and quality of documentation. RESULTS Six health centres participated, servicing approximately 154 people with ARF/RHD. Improvements occurred in indicators of service delivery including proportion of people receiving ≥40% of their scheduled BPG (increasing from 81/116 [70%] at baseline to 84/103 [82%] in year three, p = 0.04), proportion of people reviewed by a doctor within the past two years (112/154 [73%] and 134/156 [86%], p = 0.003), and proportion of people who received influenza vaccination (57/154 [37%] to 86/156 [55%], p = 0.001). However, the proportion receiving ≥80% of scheduled BPG did not change. Documentation in medical files improved: ARF episode documentation increased from 31/55 (56%) to 50/62 (81%) (p = 0.004), and RHD risk category documentation from 87/154 (56%) to 103/145 (76%) (p < 0.001). Large differences in performance were noted between health centres, reflected to some extent in SAT scores. CONCLUSIONS A CQI process using a systems approach and participatory action research methodology can significantly improve delivery of ARF/RHD care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna P Ralph
- Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory (NT), Australia
- Division of Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Marea Fittock
- Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory (NT), Australia
| | - Rosalie Schultz
- Nyangirru Piliyi-ngara Kurantta, Anyinginyi Health Aboriginal Corporation, Tennant Creek, NT, Australia
| | - Dale Thompson
- Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory (NT), Australia
| | | | - Tom Clemens
- Northern Territory Department of Health and Community Services, Townsville, Australia
| | - Matthew G Parnaby
- Northern Territory Department of Health and Community Services, Townsville, Australia
| | - Michele Clark
- Queensland Health, Queensland Government, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Malcolm I McDonald
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Cairns Campus, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Keith N Edwards
- Northern Territory Department of Health and Community Services, Townsville, Australia
| | - Jonathan R Carapetis
- Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ross S Bailie
- Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory (NT), Australia
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68
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Hersh AL, Jackson MA, Hicks LA. Principles of judicious antibiotic prescribing for upper respiratory tract infections in pediatrics. Pediatrics 2013; 132:1146-54. [PMID: 24249823 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2013-3260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Most upper respiratory tract infections are caused by viruses and require no antibiotics. This clinical report focuses on antibiotic prescribing strategies for bacterial upper respiratory tract infections, including acute otitis media, acute bacterial sinusitis, and streptococcal pharyngitis. The principles for judicious antibiotic prescribing that are outlined focus on applying stringent diagnostic criteria, weighing the benefits and harms of antibiotic therapy, and understanding situations when antibiotics may not be indicated. The principles can be used to amplify messages from recent clinical guidelines for local guideline development and for patient communication; they are broadly applicable to antibiotic prescribing in general.
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69
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Zühlke L, Mirabel M, Marijon E. Congenital heart disease and rheumatic heart disease in Africa: recent advances and current priorities. Heart 2013; 99:1554-61. [PMID: 23680886 PMCID: PMC3812860 DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2013-303896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Revised: 04/16/2013] [Accepted: 04/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Africa has one of the highest prevalence of heart diseases in children and young adults, including congenital heart disease (CHD) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD). We present here an extensive review of recent data from the African continent highlighting key studies and information regarding progress in CHD and RHD since 2005. Main findings include evidence that the CHD burden is underestimated mainly due to the poor outcome of African children with CHD. The interest in primary prevention for RHD has been recently re-emphasised, and new data are available regarding echocardiographic screening for subclinical RHD and initiation of secondary prevention. There is an urgent need for comprehensive service frameworks to improve access and level of care and services for patients, educational programmes to reinforce the importance of prevention and early diagnosis and a relevant research agenda focusing on the African context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesl Zühlke
- Department of Paediatrics, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital and University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mariana Mirabel
- Paris Cardiovascular Research Centre (PARCC–Inserm U970), European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Eloi Marijon
- Paris Cardiovascular Research Centre (PARCC–Inserm U970), European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris, France
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70
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Zühlke LJ, Karthikeyan G. Primary Prevention for Rheumatic Fever: Progress, Obstacles, and Opportunities. Glob Heart 2013; 8:221-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gheart.2013.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2013] [Revised: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 08/06/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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71
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Ramsey LS, Watkins L, Engel ME. Health education interventions to raise awareness of rheumatic fever: a systematic review protocol. Syst Rev 2013; 2:58. [PMID: 23866796 PMCID: PMC3720575 DOI: 10.1186/2046-4053-2-58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a significant global health burden associated with acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD), especially in developing countries. ARF and RHD most often strike children and young adults living in impoverished settings, where unhygienic conditions and lack of awareness and knowledge of streptococcal infection progression are common. Secondary prophylactic measures have been recommended in the past, but primary prevention measures have been gaining more attention from researchers frustrated by the perpetual prevalence of ARF and RHD in developing countries. Health education aims to empower people to take responsibility for their own well-being by gaining control over the underlying factors that influence health. We therefore conducted a review of the current best evidence for the use of health education interventions to increase awareness and knowledge of streptococcal pharyngitis and ARF. METHODS AND DESIGN This article describes the protocol for a systematic review of the effectiveness of health education interventions aimed at increasing awareness and knowledge of the symptoms, causes and consequences of streptococcal pharyngitis, rheumatic fever and/or rheumatic heart disease. Studies will be selected in which the effect of an intervention is compared with either a pre-intervention or a control, targeting all possible audience types. Primary and secondary outcomes of interest are pre-specified. Randomized controlled trials, quasi-randomized trials, controlled before-after studies and controlled clinical trials will be considered. We will search several bibliographic databases (for example, PubMed, EMBASE, World Health Organization Library databases, Google Scholar) and search sources for gray literature. We will meta-analyze included studies. We will conduct subgroup analyses according to intervention subtypes: printed versus audiovisual and mass media versus training workshops. DISCUSSION This review will provide evidence for the effectiveness of educational components in health promotion interventions in raising public awareness in regard to the symptoms, causes and consequences of streptococcal pharyngitis, ARF and/or RHD. Our results may provide guidance in the development of future intervention studies and programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Susan Ramsey
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa
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72
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Casey JD, Solomon DH, Gaziano TA, Miller AL, Loscalzo J. Clinical problem-solving. A patient with migrating polyarthralgias. N Engl J Med 2013; 369:75-80. [PMID: 23822780 DOI: 10.1056/nejmcps1208808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Casey
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02120, USA
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73
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Irlam J, Mayosi BM, Engel M, Gaziano TA. Primary Prevention of Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease With Penicillin in South African Children With Pharyngitis. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes 2013; 6:343-51. [DOI: 10.1161/circoutcomes.111.000032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background—
Acute rheumatic fever and subsequent rheumatic heart disease remain significant in developing countries. We describe a cost-effective analysis of 7 strategies for the primary prevention of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in children presenting with pharyngitis in urban primary care clinics in South Africa.
Methods and Results—
We used a Markov model to assess the cost-effectiveness of treatment with intramuscular penicillin using each of the following strategies: (1) empirical (treat all); (2) positive throat culture (culture all); (3) clinical decision rule (CDR) score ≥2 (CDR 2+); (4) CDR score ≥3 (CDR 3+); (5) treating those with a CDR score ≥2 plus those with CDR score <2 and positive cultures (CDR 2+, culture CDR negatives); (6) treating those with a CDR score ≥3 plus those with CDR score <3 and positive cultures (CDR 3+, culture CDR negatives); and (7) treat none. The strategies ranked in order from lowest cost were treat all ($11.19 per child), CDR 2+ ($11.20); the CDR 3+ ($13.00); CDR 2+, culture CDR negatives ($16.42); CDR 3+, culture CDR negatives ($23.89); and culture all ($27.21). The CDR 2+ is the preferred strategy at less than $150/quality-adjusted life year compared with the treat all strategy. A strategy of culturing all children compared with the CDR 2+ strategy costs more than $125 000/quality-adjusted life year gained.
Conclusions—
Treating all children presenting with pharyngitis in urban primary care clinics in South Africa with intramuscular penicillin is the least costly. A strategy of using a clinical decision rule without culturing is overall the preferred strategy. A strategy of culturing all children may be prohibitively expensive.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Irlam
- From the Primary Health Care Directorate, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa (J.I.); Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa (B.M.M., M.E.); and Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA (T.A.G.)
| | - Bongani M. Mayosi
- From the Primary Health Care Directorate, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa (J.I.); Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa (B.M.M., M.E.); and Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA (T.A.G.)
| | - Mark Engel
- From the Primary Health Care Directorate, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa (J.I.); Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa (B.M.M., M.E.); and Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA (T.A.G.)
| | - Thomas A. Gaziano
- From the Primary Health Care Directorate, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa (J.I.); Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa (B.M.M., M.E.); and Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA (T.A.G.)
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74
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Position statement of the World Heart Federation on the prevention and control of rheumatic heart disease. Nat Rev Cardiol 2013; 10:284-92. [DOI: 10.1038/nrcardio.2013.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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75
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Abstract
Although the incidence of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease has decreased significantly in regions of the world where antibiotics are easily accessible, there remains a high incidence in developing nations as well as in certain regions where there is a high incidence of genetic susceptibility. These diseases are a function of poverty, low socioeconomic status, and barriers to healthcare access, and it is in the developing world that a comprehensive prevention program is most critically needed. Development of group A streptococcal vaccines has been under investigation since the 1960s and 50 years later, we still have no vaccine. Factors that contribute to this lack of success include a potential risk for developing vaccine-induced rheumatic heart disease, as well as difficulties in covering the many serological subtypes of M protein, a virulence factor found on the surface of the bacterium. Yet, development of a successful vaccine program for prevention of group A streptococcal infection still offers the best chance for eradication of rheumatic fever in the twenty-first century. Other useful approaches include continuation of primary and secondary prevention with antibiotics and implementation of health care policies that provide patients with easy access to antibiotics. Improved living conditions and better hygiene are also critical to the prevention of the spread of group A streptococcus, especially in impoverished regions of the world. The purpose of this article is to discuss current and recent developments in the diagnosis, pathogenesis, and management of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Chang
- Division of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Thomas Jefferson University, Nemours/A.I. Dupont Children's Hospital, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA.
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76
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Milne RJ, Lennon DR, Stewart JM, Vander Hoorn S, Scuffham PA. Incidence of acute rheumatic fever in New Zealand children and youth. J Paediatr Child Health 2012; 48:685-91. [PMID: 22494483 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2012.02447.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AIM To estimate acute rheumatic fever (ARF) incidence rates for New Zealand children and youth by ethnicity, socioeconomic deprivation and region. METHODS National hospital admissions with a principal diagnosis of ARF (ICD9_AM 390-392; ICD10-AM I00-I02) were obtained from routine statistics and stratified by age, ethnicity, socioeconomic deprivation index (NZDep2006) and District Health Board (DHB). RESULTS The mean incidence rate for ARF in 2000-2009 peaked at 9 to 12 years of age. Incidence rates for children 5 to 14 years of age for Māori were 40.2 (95% confidence interval 36.8, 43.8), Pacific 81.2 (73.4, 89.6), non-Māori/Pacific 2.1 (1.6, 2.6) and all children 17.2 (16.1, 18.3) per 100 000. Māori and Pacific incidence rates increased by 79% and 73% in 1993-2009, while non-Māori/Pacific rates declined by 71%. Overall rates increased by 59%. In 2000-2009, Māori and Pacific children comprised 30% of children 5-14 years of age but accounted for 95% of new cases. Almost 90% of index cases of ARF were in the highest five deciles of socioeconomic deprivation and 70% were in the most deprived quintile. A child living in the most deprived decile has about one in 150 risk of being admitted to the hospital for ARF by 15 years of age. Ten DHBs containing 76% of the population 5 to 14 years of age accounted for 94% of index cases of ARF. CONCLUSIONS ARF with its attendant rheumatic heart disease is an increasing public health issue for disadvantaged North Island communities with high concentrations of Māori and/or Pacific families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Milne
- School of Population Health, Department of Community Paediatrics, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
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77
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Wong SS, Yuen KY. Streptococcus pyogenes and re-emergence of scarlet fever as a public health problem. Emerg Microbes Infect 2012; 1:e2. [PMID: 26038416 PMCID: PMC3630912 DOI: 10.1038/emi.2012.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2012] [Accepted: 04/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Explosive outbreaks of infectious diseases occasionally occur without immediately obvious epidemiological or microbiological explanations. Plague, cholera and Streptococcus pyogenes infection are some of the epidemic-prone bacterial infections. Besides epidemiological and conventional microbiological methods, the next-generation gene sequencing technology permits prompt detection of genomic and transcriptomic profiles associated with invasive phenotypes. Horizontal gene transfer due to mobile genetic elements carrying virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance, or mutations associated with the two component CovRS operon are important bacterial factors conferring survival advantage or invasiveness. The high incidence of scarlet fever in children less than 10 years old suggests that the lack of protective immunity is an important host factor. A high population density, overcrowded living environment and a low yearly rainfall are environmental factors contributing to outbreak development. Inappropriate antibiotic use is not only ineffective for treatment, but may actually drive an epidemic caused by drug-resistant strains and worsen patient outcomes by increasing the bacterial density at the site of infection and inducing toxin production. Surveillance of severe S. pyogenes infection is important because it can complicate concurrent chickenpox and influenza. Concomitant outbreaks of these two latter infections with a highly virulent and drug-resistant S. pyogenes strain can be disastrous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samson Sy Wong
- Department of Microbiology, Research Centre for Infection and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong, China
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- Department of Microbiology, Research Centre for Infection and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong, China
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78
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De Holanda E Silva KG, Barratt G, De Oliveira AG, Do Egito EST. Trends in rheumatic fever: clinical aspects and perspectives in prophylactic treatments. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2012; 9:1099-110. [DOI: 10.1517/17425247.2012.702104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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79
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Sarrell EM, Giveon SM. Streptococcal pharyngitis: a prospective study of compliance and complications. ISRN PEDIATRICS 2012; 2012:796389. [PMID: 22778988 PMCID: PMC3388424 DOI: 10.5402/2012/796389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2012] [Accepted: 04/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background. Uncertainty exists concerning the necessity of 10-day antibiotic treatment of group A beta hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) pharyngitis. Objective. To assess the incidence of GABHS recurrence and suppurative and nonsuppurative complications in relation to compliance. Methods. (Design). Prospective cohort observational study. (Subjects). 2,000 children aged 6 months to 18 years with sore throat and positive GABHS culture. (Main Outcome Measures). Recurrence of symptomatic culture positive GABHS pharyngitis, incidence of suppurative, and long-term, regional, nonsuppurative complications of GABHS pharyngitis, over a ten year period. Results. 213 (11%) of the children received no treatment. Most children received antibiotics for only 4-6 days (in correlation with the duration of fever, which in most cases lasted up to 3 days). Three hundred and six (15.3%) children had clinically diagnosed recurrent tonsillopharyngitis; 236 (12.3%) had positive GABHS findings within 10 to 14 days and thirty-four (1.7%) within 21-30 days after the index positive GABHS culture. The remaining 1.3% had no positive culture despite the clinical findings. Almost all recurrences [236 (11.6%)] occurred within 14 days and 156 (7.6%) in the fully treated group. The presence of fever during the first 3 days of the disease was the most significant predictor for recurrence. Other predictors were the age younger than 6 years and the presence of cervical lymphadenitis. No increase in the incidence of nonsuppurative or suppurative complications was noted during the 10-year follow-up period, compared to the past incidence of those complications in Israel. Conclusions. Our data suggests that the majority of children discontinue antibiotics for GABHS tonsillopharyngitis a day or two after the fever subsides. The incidence of complications in our study was not affected by this poor compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Michael Sarrell
- Pediatric and Adolescent Ambulatory Community Clinics-Clalit Health Care Services, 128 Alozorov Street, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- IPROS Network of the Israel Ambulatory Pediatrics Association, Israel Ambulatory Pediatric Association, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Shmuel M. Giveon
- Department of Family Practice, Clalit Health Services HMO, Sharon-Shomron District and Department of Family Practice, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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80
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Management of Acute Pharyngitis in Children: Summary of the Italian National Institute of Health Guidelines. Clin Ther 2012; 34:1442-1458.e2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2012.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2012] [Revised: 04/24/2012] [Accepted: 05/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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81
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Breda L, Marzetti V, Gaspari S, Del Torto M, Chiarelli F, Altobelli E. Population-based study of incidence and clinical characteristics of rheumatic fever in Abruzzo, central Italy, 2000-2009. J Pediatr 2012; 160:832-6.e1. [PMID: 22104560 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2011.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2011] [Revised: 08/04/2011] [Accepted: 10/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the incidence and describe the characteristics of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) in the pediatric population in a community-based healthcare delivery system of the central Italy region of Abruzzo during 2000-2009. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective study was conducted in Abruzzo to identify patients aged <18 years with a diagnosis of ARF between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2009. Each patient's age, sex, date of diagnosis, age at disease presentation, and fulfilled Jones criteria were recorded. RESULTS A total of 88 patients meeting the Jones criteria for the diagnosis of ARF were identified, with arthritis in 59.1% of the patients, carditis in 48.9%, erythema marginatum in 11.4%, 5.7% with chorea, and 4.6% with subcutaneous nodules. Residual chronic rheumatic heart disease was present in 44.3% of the children. Age at diagnosis ranged from 2.5 to 17 years (average, 8.7 ± 4.0 years). Twelve children (13.6%) were under age 5 years. The overall incidence rate of ARF was 4.1/100 000. The lowest incidence rate was documented in the year 2000 (2.26/100 000), and the highest in 2006 (5.58/100 000). CONCLUSION Our data indicate that ARF has not disappeared in industrialized countries and still causes significant residual rheumatic heart disease. Pediatricians should routinely consider the diagnoses of streptococcal pharyngitis and ARF to reduce long-term morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Breda
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy.
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83
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Abstract
Rheumatic heart disease, often neglected by media and policy makers, is a major burden in developing countries where it causes most of the cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in young people, leading to about 250,000 deaths per year worldwide. The disease results from an abnormal autoimmune response to a group A streptococcal infection in a genetically susceptible host. Acute rheumatic fever--the precursor to rheumatic heart disease--can affect different organs and lead to irreversible valve damage and heart failure. Although penicillin is effective in the prevention of the disease, treatment of advanced stages uses up a vast amount of resources, which makes disease management especially challenging in emerging nations. Guidelines have therefore emphasised antibiotic prophylaxis against recurrent episodes of acute rheumatic fever, which seems feasible and cost effective. Early detection and targeted treatment might be possible if populations at risk for rheumatic heart disease in endemic areas are screened. In this setting, active surveillance with echocardiography-based screening might become very important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloi Marijon
- Paris Cardiovascular Research Centre, INSERM U970, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris, France; Department of Cardiology, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris, France; Paris Descartes University, Paris, France; Maputo Heart Institute (ICOR), Maputo, Mozambique.
| | - Mariana Mirabel
- Paris Cardiovascular Research Centre, INSERM U970, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris, France; Paris Descartes University, Paris, France; University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Xavier Jouven
- Paris Cardiovascular Research Centre, INSERM U970, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris, France; Department of Cardiology, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris, France; Paris Descartes University, Paris, France; Maputo Heart Institute (ICOR), Maputo, Mozambique
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84
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Kotby AA, Habeeb NM, Ezz El Elarab S. Antistreptolysin O titer in health and disease: levels and significance. Pediatr Rep 2012; 4:e8. [PMID: 22690314 PMCID: PMC3357621 DOI: 10.4081/pr.2012.e8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2011] [Revised: 11/23/2011] [Accepted: 11/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Over diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) based on a raised antistreptolysin O titer (ASOT) is not uncommon in endemic areas. In this study, 660 children (aged 9.2 ±1.7 years) were recruited consecutively and classified as: G1 (control group, n=200 healthy children), G2 (n=20 with ARF 1(st) attack), G3 (n=40 with recurrent ARF), G4 (n=100 with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) on long acting penicillin (LAP)), G5 (n=100 with acute follicular tonsillitis), and G6 (n=200 healthy children with history of repeated follicular tonsillitis more than three times a year). Serum ASOT was measured by latex agglutination. Upper limit of normal (ULN) ASOT (80(th) percentile) was 400 IU in G1, 200 IU in G4, and 1600 IU in G6. Significantly high levels were seen in ARF 1st attack when compared to groups 1 and 5 (P<0.001 and P<0.05, respectively). ASOT was significantly high in children over ten years of age, during winter and in those with acute rheumatic carditis. ASOT showed significant direct correlation with the number of attacks of tonsillitis (P<0.05). Egyptian children have high ULN ASOT reaching 400 IU. This has to be taken into consideration when interpreting its values in suspected ARF. A rise in ASOT is less prominent in recurrent ARF compared to 1st attack, and acute and recurrent tonsillitis. Basal levels of ASOT increase with age but the pattern of increase during infection is not age dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyaa Amal Kotby
- Pediatric Department, Ain Shams University, Early Cancer Detection Unit Ain Shams University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt
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85
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Piñeiro Pérez R, Hijano Bandera F, Alvez González F, Fernández Landaluce A, Silva Rico JC, Pérez Cánovas C, Calvo Rey C, Cilleruelo Ortega MJ. [Consensus document on the diagnosis and treatment of acute tonsillopharyngitis]. An Pediatr (Barc) 2011; 75:342.e1-13. [PMID: 21920830 PMCID: PMC7105079 DOI: 10.1016/j.anpedi.2011.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2011] [Revised: 07/23/2011] [Accepted: 07/25/2011] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute tonsillopharyngitis is one of the most common childhood diseases. Viruses are the most frequent origin. Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) is the main bacterial cause. A culture or a rapid antigen-detection test of a throat-swab specimen should only be done on the basis of clinical scores, in order to avoid over-diagnosis of bacterial origin and unnecessary antibiotic prescription. The objectives of treatment are: the reduction of symptoms, reduce the contagious period, and prevent local suppurative and systemic complications. Ideally, only confirmed cases should receive antibiotics. If there is no possibility to perform a rapid antigen-detection test, or in some cases if the result is negative, it is recommended to perform a culture and, if there is high suspicious index, to prescribe antibiotics. Penicillin is the treatment of choice, although amoxicillin is also accepted as the first option. Amoxicillin/clavulanate is not indicated in any case as empirical treatment. Macrolides are not a first choice antibiotic, and should be reserved for those patients with immediate penicillin allergy reaction or for the treatment of streptococcal carriers. It is of primordial importance to adapt the prescribing of antibiotics to the scientific evidence.
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86
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Efficacy of a benzocaine lozenge in the treatment of uncomplicated sore throat. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2011; 269:571-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s00405-011-1802-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2011] [Accepted: 09/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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87
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Zühlke L, Engel M. Letter to the editor. Clin Epidemiol 2011; 3:171-2. [PMID: 21750626 PMCID: PMC3130902 DOI: 10.2147/clep.s20223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lj Zühlke
- Western Cape Paediatric Cardiac Services, Red Cross War Memorial Childrens' Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Rimoin AW, Hoff NA, Fischer Walker CL, Hamza HS, Vince A, Rahman NA, Andrasevic S, Emam S, Vukelic D, Elminawi N, Ghafar HA, da Cunha ALA, Qazi S, Gardovska D, Steinhoff MC. Treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis with once-daily amoxicillin versus intramuscular benzathine penicillin G in low-resource settings: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2011; 50:535-42. [PMID: 21317198 PMCID: PMC6089546 DOI: 10.1177/0009922810394838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary prevention of acute rheumatic fever is achieved by proper antibiotic treatment of group A β -hemolytic streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. METHODS To assess noninferiority of oral amoxicillin to intramuscular benzathine penicillin G (IM BPG). Children (2 to 12 years) meeting enrollment criteria were randomized 1:1 to receive antibiotic treatment in 2 urban outpatient clinics in Egypt and Croatia. RESULTS A total of 558 children (Croatia = 166, Egypt = 392) were randomized, with 368 evaluable in an intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, and 272 evaluable in the per protocol (PP) analysis. In Croatia, ITT and PP treatment success rates were comparable for IM BPG and amoxicillin (2.5% difference vs 1.1% difference, respectively). In Egypt, amoxicillin was not comparable with IM BPG in ITT analysis (15.1% difference), but was comparable in PP analysis (-9.3% difference). CONCLUSION If compliance is a major issue, a single dose of IM BPG may be preferable for treatment of GAS pharyngitis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Adriana Vince
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Sasa Andrasevic
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Shamim Qazi
- World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Dace Gardovska
- Riga Stradins University and Children’s University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | - Mark C. Steinhoff
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA,Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, OH
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Abdul-Auhaimena N, Al-Kaabi ZIL. Functional and Developmental Analysis of CD4(+)CD25(+) Regulatory T Cells under the Influence of Streptococcal M Protein in Rheumatic Heart Disease. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2011; 36:122-7. [PMID: 23359747 PMCID: PMC3556756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2010] [Revised: 11/18/2010] [Accepted: 01/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the role of streptococcal M protein in naturally-occurring CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells (nTregs) function and development in rheumatic heart disease in Iraqi patients. Streptococcus pyogenes was isolated for subsequent M protein extraction. Also, peripheral blood nTregs and CD4(+) T cells were isolated by using Magnetic Cell Separation System. Tissue culture for isolated cells was performed in the presence and absence of M protein. Cell count was performed, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) were determined in culture supernatant using ELISA system. There was a significant positive correlation (P<0.01) between the number of proliferated nTregs and CD4(+) T cells in the presence as well as the absence of streptococcal M protein. Moreover, there was a significant negative correlation between the mean number of nTregs and CD4(+) T cells in mixed culture system in the absence of M protein (r=-0.995). There was also a positive, but not significant (P>0.05), association (r=0.353) between the mean number of nTregs and CD4(+) T cells in the presence of M protein. The M protein stimulated CD4(+) T cells to produce IL-4 in very little amount (<4 pg/ml) in all samples. Compared to the production of IL4, TNF-α was produced in higher concentrations in the culture supernatants. The findings of the study indicate that streptococcal M protein has an important role in increasing the proliferation of D4(+)CD25(+)regulatory T cells and CD4(+) T cells. However, CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells have lower suppressive activity against CD4(+) T cells in the presence of M protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Wessels
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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92
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Mody GM, Mayosi BM. Acute rheumatic fever. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-06551-1.00108-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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94
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Abstract
Rheumatic fever (RF), caused by untreated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis, is a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout much of the less developed world and disadvantaged populations (Indigenous and other) in the developed world. Through systematic literature searches, our group has identified potential risk factors for RF and possible interventions for its prevention. The causes can be divided into biological factors, socio-economic, and lifestyle factors and health-care systems and services. Currently, the most promising medical areas look to be improving access to health care and introducing community and school-based sore throat interventions (which aim to diagnose and treat GAS pharyngitis). We could find no convincing support for skin sepsis causing RF. Overall evidence suggests that measures that aim to alleviate poverty and crowding may also reduce the incidence of RF. In comparatively rich countries such as New Zealand and Australia, urgent measures based on available evidence should be undertaken to reduce the very striking health disparity seen with RF and its sequela, rheumatic heart disease in our at-risk populations.
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95
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Colquhoun SM, Carapetis JR, Kado JH, Steer AC. Rheumatic heart disease and its control in the Pacific. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2010; 7:1517-24. [PMID: 19954313 DOI: 10.1586/erc.09.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease continue to be a huge public-health burden on many Pacific Island countries. Prevalence reported in some nations are some of the highest seen globally, yet many countries in the region do not have national disease registers. Despite the will of many Pacific Island countries, there are a number of barriers to the implementation and sustainability of effective coordinated prevention programs, including limited funding and competing health priorities. In promising recent developments, a number of countries in the region have been able to develop or strengthen national rheumatic heart disease registers. These registers allow for more effective delivery of secondary prophylaxis, the mainstay of disease control in the Pacific. Primary prevention of rheumatic fever and screening for rheumatic heart disease are important adjunctive strategies. Recent advances in screening methods, focusing on portable echocardiography, may allow for the early detection of rheumatic heart disease in the community.
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96
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Steer AC, Carapetis JR. Acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in indigenous populations. Pediatr Clin North Am 2009; 56:1401-19. [PMID: 19962028 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2009.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease are diseases of socioeconomic disadvantage. These diseases are common in developing countries and in Indigenous populations in industrialized countries. Clinicians who work with Indigenous populations need to maintain a high index of suspicion for the potential diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever, particularly in patients presenting with joint pain. Inexpensive medicines, such as aspirin, are the mainstay of symptomatic treatment of rheumatic fever; however, antiinflammatory treatment has no effect on the long-term rate of progression or severity of chronic valvular disease. The current focus of global efforts at prevention of rheumatic heart disease is on secondary prevention (regular administration of penicillin to prevent recurrent rheumatic fever), although primary prevention (timely treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent rheumatic fever) is also important in populations in which it is feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Steer
- Department of Paediatrics, Centre for International Child Health, University of Melbourne, Flemington Road, Parkville, 3052, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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[Current diagnosis of acute pharyngitis]. Wien Med Wochenschr 2009; 159:202-6. [PMID: 19412695 DOI: 10.1007/s10354-009-0672-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2008] [Accepted: 01/08/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Throat infections with Group A Streptococci have a high incidence and are, therefore, a considerable health problem. It is, therefore, desirable to distinguish this bacterial infections from viral infections of the upper respiratory tract. We report about the application of an immunologic rapid antigen detection test for Group A Streptococci and its medical and economic implications. METHODS In a cross-sectional cohort study, 30 family physicians documented the application of the test in 519 patients. Follow-up costs were compared with 109 family physicians who did not have access to the test. RESULTS 40.27% of tests performed were positive for Streptococci. 99% of those patients received antibiotic treatment - predominantly with Penicillin. From those patients who had shown a negative test result, only 18.4% received antibiotic treatment. Both patients and physicians welcomed the availability of the test. We did not find any significant difference regarding the economic effect of the test. CONCLUSIONS The employment of a rapid antigen detection test for Group A Streptococci in patients with acute pharyngitis increases therapeutic certitude and guideline-conform prescription of antibiotics among family physicians. We, therefore, assume that potential side effects of unnecessary antibiotic treatments could be minimized.
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Steer AC, Carapetis JR. Prevention and treatment of rheumatic heart disease in the developing world. Nat Rev Cardiol 2009; 6:689-98. [DOI: 10.1038/nrcardio.2009.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and its sequela, rheumatic heart disease is the commonest cause of childhood cardiac morbidity globally. The current approach to the prevention of a primary attack of rheumatic fever in children using oral medication for streptococcal pharyngitis is poorly supported. The efficacy of injectable penicillin, in high rheumatic fever incidence military environments is indisputable. OBJECTIVE To evaluate school-based control of rheumatic fever in an endemic area. METHODS Fifty-three schools ( approximately 22,000 students) from a rheumatic fever high incidence setting ( approximately 60/100,000) in Auckland, New Zealand were randomized. The control group received routine general practice care. The intervention was a school-based sore throat clinic program with free nurse-observed oral penicillin treatment of group A streptococcal pharyngitis. The outcome measure was ARF in any child attending a study school. Analysis A defined ARF cases using criteria derived from Jones Criteria 1965 (definite) and 1956 (probable) with more precise definitions. Analysis B was based on 1992 Jones criteria but also included echocardiography to determine definite cases. RESULTS In Analysis A, 24 (55/100,000) cases occurred in clinic schools and 29 (67/100,000) in nonclinic schools, a 21% reduction when adjusted for demography and study design (P = 0.47). Analysis B revealed a 28% reduction 26 (59/100,000) and 33 (77/100,000) cases, respectively (P = 0.27). CONCLUSION This study involving 86,874 person-years showed a nonsignificant reduction in the school-based sore throat clinic programs.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatic fever (RF) is the commonest cause of pediatric heart disease globally. Penicillin for streptococcal pharyngitis prevents RF. Inequitable access to health care persists. PURPOSE To investigate RF prevention by treating streptococcal pharyngitis in school- and/or community-based programs. DATA SOURCES Medline, Old Medline, the Cochrane Library, DARE, Central, NHS, EED, NICE, NRMC, Clinical Evidence, CDC website, PubMed, and reference lists of retrieved articles. Known researchers in the field were contacted where possible. METHODS Randomized, controlled trials or trials of before/after design examining treatment of sore throats in schools or communities with RF as an outcome where data were able to be pooled for analysis. Two authors examined titles, abstracts, selected articles, and extracted data. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS TOOL: Review Manager version 4.2 to assess pooled relative risks and 95% confidence intervals. DATA SYNTHESIS Six studies (of 677 screened) which met the criteria and could be pooled were included. Meta-analysis of these trials for RF control produced a relative risk of 0.41 (95% CI: 0.23-0.70). There was statistical heterogeneity (I = 70.5%). Hence a random effects analysis was conducted. LIMITATIONS Many studies were poor quality. Title and available abstracts of non-English studies were checked. There may be publication bias. This is the best available evidence in an area with imperfect information. DISCUSSION It is expected acute RF cases would diminish by about 60% using a school or community clinic to treat streptococcal pharyngitis. This should be considered in high-risk populations.
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