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Jamei Khosroshahi A, Kahani V, Shirvaliloo M, Sadeghvand S. Sydenham's Chorea in Children with Acute Rheumatic Fever: An Echocardiographic Survey of Pediatric Patients in Northwestern Iran. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2024; 49:413-420. [PMID: 39114637 PMCID: PMC11300938 DOI: 10.30476/ijms.2023.98738.3076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Background Although infrequent, Sydenham's chorea (SC) may occur as a result of injury to the basal ganglia in children with acute rheumatic fever (ARF) secondary to group A Streptococcal infection. Certain hallmarks of SC, such as movement disorders, could be utilized as a predictive marker for carditis. The present study aimed to investigate neurologic and cardiologic symptoms in children with suspected SC after ARF. Methods All children aged 5-16 who were admitted at Shahid Madani Pediatric Hospital (Tabriz, Iran), with an initial diagnosis of ARF and SC between 2009 and 2022 were included for echocardiographic assessment and prospective follow-up within 6 and 12 months after the start point. The pattern and severity of valvulopathy, as well as the prevalence of Jones criteria for rheumatic fever, were used to assess the effect. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics software (version 22.0) using Chi square and Fisher's exact tests. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The study enrolled 85 children, 36 girls and 49 boys, with a mean age of 9.7±2.7. On the first echocardiography, 42.4% of patients had mitral valve regurgitation (MR), with a predominance of female patients (P=0.04). Of those diagnosed with SC (12 girls and 6 boys), 66.7% showed cardiac involvement, with a higher prevalence of MR in both sexes (P=0.04). The pattern of cardiac involvement after 6 months was significantly different between the groups (P=0.04). However, no such difference was observed during the one-year follow-up (P=0.07). Female sex was found to have a significant relationship with SC localization (P=0.01). Conclusion In addition to its neurological manifestations, SC can be associated with clinical or subclinical cardiac valve dysfunction that might last for more than a year. In addition to attempting early detection and appropriate management, a precise cardiac and neurologic assessment during admission and follow-up is recommended.A preprint version of this manuscript is available at DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-772662/v1 (https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-772662/v1).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vida Kahani
- Department of Pediatrics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Milad Shirvaliloo
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shahram Sadeghvand
- Pediatric Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Egoroff N, Bloomfield H, Gondarra W, Yambalpal B, Guyula T, Forward D, Lyons G, O'Connor E, Sanderson L, Dowden M, Williams D, de Dassel J, Coffey P, Dhurrkay ER, Gondarra V, Holt DC, Krause VL, Currie BJ, Griffiths K, Dempsey K, Glynn-Robinson A. An outbreak of acute rheumatic fever in a remote Aboriginal community. Aust N Z J Public Health 2023; 47:100077. [PMID: 37625204 DOI: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2023.100077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We describe the public health response to an outbreak of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) in a remote Aboriginal community. METHODS In August 2021, the Northern Territory Rheumatic Heart Disease Control Program identified an outbreak of acute rheumatic fever in a remote Aboriginal community. A public health response was developed using a modified acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis protocol and the National Acute Rheumatic Fever Guideline for Public Health Units. RESULTS 12 cases were diagnosed during the outbreak; six-times the average number of cases in the same period in the five years prior (n=1.8). Half (n=6) of the outbreak cases were classified as recurrent episodes with overdue secondary prophylaxis. Contact tracing and screening of 11 households identified 86 close contacts. CONCLUSIONS This outbreak represented an increase in both first episodes and recurrences of acute rheumatic fever and highlights the critical need for strengthened delivery of acute rheumatic fever secondary prophylaxis, and for improvements to the social determinants of health in the region. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH Outbreaks of acute rheumatic fever are rare despite continuing high rates of acute rheumatic fever experienced by remote Aboriginal communities. Nevertheless, there can be improvements in the current national public health guidance relating to acute rheumatic fever cluster and outbreak management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Egoroff
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Australia; Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation, Australia; Centre for Disease Control, Northern Territory Health, Australia.
| | - Hilary Bloomfield
- Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation, Australia; Centre for Disease Control, Northern Territory Health, Australia.
| | | | | | - Terrence Guyula
- Centre for Disease Control, Northern Territory Health, Australia.
| | - Demi Forward
- Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation, Australia.
| | - Gemma Lyons
- Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation, Australia.
| | - Emer O'Connor
- Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation, Australia; Centre for Disease Control, Northern Territory Health, Australia; Rheumatic Heart Disease Australia, Australia.
| | | | | | - Desley Williams
- Centre for Disease Control, Northern Territory Health, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | - Deborah C Holt
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Australia.
| | - Vicki L Krause
- Centre for Disease Control, Northern Territory Health, Australia.
| | - Bart J Currie
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Australia; Rheumatic Heart Disease Australia, Australia.
| | - Kalinda Griffiths
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Australia; University of New South Wales, Australia; University of Melbourne, Australia.
| | | | - Anna Glynn-Robinson
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Australia.
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Liang Y, Yu D, Lu Q, Zheng Y, Yang Y. The rise and fall of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease: a mini review. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1183606. [PMID: 37288267 PMCID: PMC10242100 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1183606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The incidences of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD), which were leading causes of death in children in the 1920s, have decreased substantially. Considering the recent resurgence of scarlet fever and increased incidence of streptococcal pharyngitis in children, an investigation of the current status of ARF and RHD may be worthwhile. Objective To summarize the prevalence trends, pathogenic factors, and prevention strategies for ARF and RHD in children. Methods A selective search of literature published between January 1920 and February 2023 was done in PubMed, using the terms "acute rheumatic fever", "rheumatic heart disease", "group A Streptococcus", "pharyngitis", "pharyngeal tonsillitis", "scarlet fever", "impetigo", "obstructive sleep apnea syndrome" and "child". Results Overcrowded homes and inadequate sanitation led to recurrent group A streptococcal infection, and the causal relationship between group A streptococcal infection and ARF/RHD was well established. Streptococcal infectious diseases, such as group A streptococcal pharyngeal tonsillitis, SF, impetigo, and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, were associated with the occurrence of ARF and RHD. ARF and RHD were still prevalent in young people of developing countries and economically poor populations of high-income countries. Universal disease registration systems were critical to locating disease outbreaks, tracking disease transmission, and identifying high-risk populations. Four-level prevention strategies were effective in reducing the incidence and mortality of ARF and RHD. Conclusions Registry and preventive measures for ARF and RHD should be strengthened in areas of dense population; poor sanitation; resurgence of SF; and high incidence of streptococcal pharyngitis, impetigo, and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunmei Liang
- Department of Pediatrics, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital Affiliated to the Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Dingle Yu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qinghua Lu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Microbiology Laboratory, National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuejie Zheng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yonghong Yang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Microbiology Laboratory, National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Hu Y, Tong Z, Huang X, Qin JJ, Lin L, Lei F, Wang W, Liu W, Sun T, Cai J, She ZG, Li H. The projections of global and regional rheumatic heart disease burden from 2020 to 2030. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:941917. [PMID: 36330016 PMCID: PMC9622772 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.941917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains the leading cause of preventable death and disability in children and young adults, killing an estimated 320,000 individuals worldwide yearly. Materials and methods We utilized the Bayesian age-period cohort (BAPC) model to project the change in disease burden from 2020 to 2030 using the data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019. Then we described the projected epidemiological characteristics of RHD by region, sex, and age. Results The global age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) and age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of RHD increased from 1990 to 2019, and ASPR will increase to 559.88 per 100,000 population by 2030. The global age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of RHD will continue declining, while the projected death cases will increase. Furthermore, ASPR and cases of RHD-associated HF will continue rising, and there will be 2,922,840 heart failure (HF) cases in 2030 globally. Female subjects will still be the dominant population compared to male subjects, and the ASPR of RHD and the ASPR of RHD-associated HF in female subjects will continue to increase from 2020 to 2030. Young people will have the highest ASPR of RHD among all age groups globally, while the elderly will bear a greater death and HF burden. Conclusion In the following decade, the RHD burden will remain severe. There are large variations in the trend of RHD burden by region, sex, and age. Targeted and effective strategies are needed for the management of RHD, particularly in female subjects and young people in developing regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zijia Tong
- Department of Cardiology, Huanggang Central Hospital of Yangtze University, Huanggang, China
- Huanggang Institute of Translational Medicine, Huanggang, China
| | - Xuewei Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Juan-Juan Qin
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lijin Lin
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fang Lei
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenxin Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Weifang Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingjing Cai
- Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhi-Gang She
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Hongliang Li,
| | - Hongliang Li
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Zhi-Gang She,
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Acute rheumatic fever: 10-year single-center experience: clinical and laboratory findings, with subclinical carditis and treatment complications. Cardiol Young 2021; 31:1489-1494. [PMID: 34462031 DOI: 10.1017/s1047951121003528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute rheumatic fever in childhood continues to cause serious morbidity despite all developments. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with acute rheumatic fever and to determine the frequency of subclinical carditis and the side effects of the drugs used in the treatment. METHODS The data of patients hospitalised between 2008 and 2018 with the diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever were included in the study. The relationship of gender and age with the frequency of major symptoms and the distribution of the drugs used in the treatment and their side effects were evaluated. RESULTS Medical records of 102 patients with complete data were reviewed. 56.9% of the patients were male and the mean age was 10.7 ± 1.9 years. The most common distribution of complaints found were arthritis (51%), arthralgia (25.5%) and fever (16.7%). 10.8% of all patients (n = 11) were diagnosed subclinical carditis via echocardiographic evaluation. The frequency of carditis was higher in female patients with a borderline statistical significance (p = 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference between gender and arthritis (p = 0.22) and carditis (p > 0.05). Anti-congestive therapy was required in 22% and inotropic treatment was needed in 6.1% cases. Toxic hepatitis developed in four cases during the acetylsalicylic acid treatment. CONCLUSIONS In a 10-year period, detection of subclinical carditis in 10.8% cases supported that echocardiography should be performed as a standard method for the diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever. Patients should be followed closely in terms of hepatic toxicity due to acetylsalicylic acid used in the treatment.
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Alberio AMQ, Pieroni F, Di Gangi A, Cappelli S, Bini G, Abu-Rumeileh S, Orsini A, Bonuccelli A, Peroni D, Assanta N, Gaggiano C, Simonini G, Consolini R. Toward the Knowledge of the Epidemiological Impact of Acute Rheumatic Fever in Italy. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:746505. [PMID: 34976887 PMCID: PMC8714836 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.746505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: To estimate the incidence of Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) in Tuscany, a region of Central Italy, evaluating the epidemiological impact of the new diagnostic guidelines, and to analyse our outcomes in the context of the Italian overview. Methods: A multicenter and retrospective study was conducted involving children <18 years old living in Tuscany and diagnosed in the period between 2010 and 2019. Two groups were established based on the new diagnostic criteria: High-Risk (HR) group patients, n = 29 and Low-Risk group patients, n = 96. Results: ARF annual incidence ranged from 0.91 to 7.33 out of 100,000 children in the analyzed period, with peak of incidence registered in 2019. The application of HR criteria led to an increase of ARF diagnosis of 30%. Among the overall cohort joint involvement was the most represented criteria (68%), followed by carditis (58%). High prevalence of subclinical carditis was observed (59%). Conclusions: Tuscany should be considered an HR geographic area and HR criteria should be used for ARF diagnosis in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Filippo Pieroni
- Pediatrics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Di Gangi
- Pediatrics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Susanna Cappelli
- Pediatrics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Bini
- Pediatrics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sarah Abu-Rumeileh
- Rheumatology Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandro Orsini
- Pediatrics Unit, Section of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alice Bonuccelli
- Pediatrics Unit, Section of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Diego Peroni
- Pediatrics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nadia Assanta
- Heart Hospital-G. Monasterio Tuscany Foundation, Massa, Italy
| | - Carla Gaggiano
- Clinical Pediatrics, Department of Molecular Medicine and Development, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Gabriele Simonini
- Rheumatology Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Rita Consolini
- Pediatrics Unit, Section of Clinical and Laboratory Immunology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Acute rheumatic fever in south-east of Turkey: clinical features and epidemiological evaluation of the patients over the last 25 years. Cardiol Young 2020; 30:1086-1094. [PMID: 32611460 DOI: 10.1017/s1047951120001596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluates clinical and epidemiological features of acute rheumatic fever using the data of last 25 years in our hospital in south-east of Turkey. The medical records of 377 patients with acute rheumatic fever admitted to Pediatric Cardiology Department of Çukurova University during 1993-2017 were retrospectively analysed. Two hundred and six patients were admitted between 1993 and 2000, 91 between 2001 and 2008, and 80 between 2009 and 2017. The largest age group (52%) were between 9 to 12 years of age and approximately two-thirds of the patients presented in the spring and winter seasons (62.8%). Among the major findings, the most common included carditis 83.6% (n = 315), arthritis at 74% (n = 279), Sydenham's chorea at 13.5% (n = 51), and only two patients (0.5%) had erythema marginatum and two patients (0.5%) had subcutaneous nodule. Carditis was the most common manifestation observed in 315 patients (83.6%). The most commonly affected valve was the mitral valve alone (54.9%), followed by a combined mitral and aortic valves (34%) and aortic valve alone (5.7%). Of the patients with carditis, 48.6% (n = 153) had mild carditis, of which 45 had a subclinical. Sixty-two patients (19.7%) had moderate and 100 patients (31.7%) had severe carditis. At the follow-up, 2 patients died and 16 patients underwent valve surgery. Twenty-eight (7.4%) patients' valve lesions were completely resolved. Conclusion: Although the incidence of acute rheumatic fever decreased, it still is an important disease that can cause serious increases in morbidity and mortality rates in our country.
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Abstract
Acute rheumatic fever is caused by an autoimmune response to throat infection with Streptococcus pyogenes. Cardiac involvement during acute rheumatic fever can result in rheumatic heart disease, which can cause heart failure and premature mortality. Poverty and household overcrowding are associated with an increased prevalence of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease, both of which remain a public health problem in many low-income countries. Control efforts are hampered by the scarcity of accurate data on disease burden, and effective approaches to diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. The diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever is entirely clinical, without any laboratory gold standard, and no treatments have been shown to reduce progression to rheumatic heart disease. Prevention mainly relies on the prompt recognition and treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis, and avoidance of recurrent infection using long-term antibiotics. But evidence for the effectiveness of either approach is not strong. High-quality research is urgently needed to guide efforts to reduce acute rheumatic fever incidence and prevent progression to rheumatic heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganesan Karthikeyan
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Sciences Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
| | - Luiza Guilherme
- Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo, Institute for Investigation in Immunology, National Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo, Brazil
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Munteanu V, Petaccia A, Contecaru N, Amodio E, Agostoni CV. Paediatric acute rheumatic fever in developed countries: Neglected or negligible disease? Results from an observational study in Lombardy (Italy). AIMS Public Health 2018; 5:135-143. [PMID: 30094276 PMCID: PMC6079050 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2018.2.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) is a multisystemic disease that results from an autoimmune reaction due to group A streptococcal infection. The disease affects predominantly children aged 5 to 15 years and although its incidence in developed Countries declined since the early 1900s, to date there is a paucity of data that confirm this epidemiological trend. Objective The study aimed to assess the burden of ARF in term of hospitalization and to describe the characteristics of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) in the paediatric population of Lombardy. Study design The study was carried out by analyzing hospital discharge records of patients resident of Lombardy and aged 0–17 years old who, from 2014 to 2016, were hospitalized with the diagnosis of ARF. The following variables have been studied: age, sex, municipality of residence, date of diagnosis of each patient, hospital of admission, and presentation of the disease. Results From 2014 to 2016, 215 patients were found to meet the inclusion criteria and diagnosed as affected from Acute Rheumatic Fever. The rate of hospitalization showed a slightly increasing trend from 3.42 in 2014 to about 5.0 in 2016. Moreover, ARF presented a typical seasonal trend with lower cases in the autumn and a peak of hospitalization in the spring. Conclusion To date, ARF seems to be a rare but not negligible disease in southern central European countries, and in Lombardy we estimated an annual hospitalization rate of 4.24 cases per 100,000 children. The increasing trend found in our study suggests that the burden of the disease could be reduced by involving multidisciplinary health professionals who, in addition to the paediatrician of free choice, would promote evidence based medicine management of the disease during all its clinical phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viorica Munteanu
- Department of Paediatrics, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, DISCCO, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Petaccia
- Department of Paediatrics, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, DISCCO, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicolae Contecaru
- Health Protection Agency of Brianza (Italy), Viale Elvezia n.2 Monza (MB) 20900
| | - Emanuele Amodio
- Health Protection Agency of Brianza (Italy), Viale Elvezia n.2 Monza (MB) 20900
| | - Carlo Virginio Agostoni
- Department of Paediatrics, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, DISCCO, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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