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Ali Sulafa KM, Karrar ZA, Elkurdufani N, Ibrahim N. Sudan's rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease guidelines: a simplified approach in an endemic country. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1403131. [PMID: 38798925 PMCID: PMC11116708 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1403131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a preventable sequelae of group A beta hemolytic streptococcal infection leading to an immune reaction: acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and progressive heart valve dysfunction. RHD is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children and young adults in Sudan and many low/middle-income countries. In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a resolution for RHD mandating that each country adopt updated guidelines for ARF and RHD management. These current guidelines are mainly directed to primary healthcare workers. Methods Sudan's Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) in collaboration with the WHO East Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO) assembled a committee for updating RHD guidelines. We conducted a systematic literature search from 2000 to 2022 in National Institute of Health Database (PubMed) under the following titles: streptococcal pharyngitis, acute rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease, benzathine penicillin. Best available, evidence-based practices for diagnosis and management of ARF/RHD were selected and adapted to Sudan's situation. The guidelines were critically appraised by the committee then endorsed to the FMOH and WHO EMRO Noncommunicable Disease Departments in January 2023. This paper describes the updated guidelines. Results Simplified algorithms are provided for diagnosis of bacterial pharyngitis including two clinical criteria: sore throat and the absence of viral symptoms in the target age group. A simplified algorithm for diagnosis and management of ARF is adopted using two levels of diagnosis: suspected case at primary level where penicillin prophylaxis is started and secondary/tertiary care where echocardiography is performed and diagnosis confirmed or excluded. Echocardiography screening is recognized as the standard method for early diagnosis of RHD; however, due to the anticipated limitations, its implementation was not adopted at this time. Streptococcal skin infection is included as a precursor of ARF and a detailed protocol for benzathine penicillin administration is described. Conclusion The Sudan guidelines for ARF/RHD management were updated. Endorsement of these guidelines to FMOH and WHO EMRO is expected to improve control of RHD in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nazik Ibrahim
- Federal Ministry of Health and World Health Organization, Khartoum, Sudan
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Shimanda PP, Shumba TW, Brunström M, Iipinge SN, Söderberg S, Lindholm L, Norström F. Preventive Interventions to Reduce the Burden of Rheumatic Heart Disease in Populations at Risk: A Systematic Review. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e032442. [PMID: 38390809 PMCID: PMC10944073 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.032442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a devastating yet preventable condition that disproportionately affects low-middle-income countries and indigenous populations in some high-income countries. Various preventive interventions have been implemented across the globe, but evidence for the effectiveness of these measures in reducing the incidence or prevalence of acute rheumatic fever and RHD is scattered. This systematic review aims to assess the effectiveness of preventive interventions and identify the strategies used to reduce the burden of RHD. METHODS AND RESULTS A comprehensive search was conducted to identify relevant studies on RHD prevention interventions including interventions for primordial, primary, and secondary prevention. Effectiveness measures for the interventions were gathered when available. The findings indicate that school-based primary prevention services targeting the early detection and treatment of Group A Streptococcus pharyngitis infection with penicillin have the potential to reduce the incidence of Group A Streptococcus pharyngitis and acute rheumatic fever. Community-based programs using various prevention strategies also reduced the burden of RHD. However, there is limited evidence from low-middle-income countries and a lack of rigorous evaluations reporting the true impact of the interventions. Narrative synthesis was performed, and the methodological quality appraisal was done using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review underscores the importance of various preventive interventions in reducing the incidence and burden of Group A Streptococcus pharyngitis, acute rheumatic fever, and RHD. Rigorous evaluations and comprehensive analyses of interventions are necessary for guiding effective strategies and informing public health policies to prevent and reduce the burden of these diseases in diverse populations. REGISTRATION URL: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/; Unique identifier: CRD42020170503.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tonderai W Shumba
- Department of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy University of Namibia Windhoek Namibia
| | - Mattias Brunström
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology Umeå University Umeå Sweden
| | | | - Stefan Söderberg
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology Umeå University Umeå Sweden
| | - Lars Lindholm
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health Umeå University Umeå Sweden
| | - Fredrik Norström
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health Umeå University Umeå Sweden
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Urina-Jassir M, Jaimes-Reyes MA, Urina-Jassir D, Urina-Triana M, Urina-Triana M. The role of echocardiographic screening in reducing the burden of rheumatic heart disease in Latin America. Rev Panam Salud Publica 2023; 47:e158. [PMID: 38089109 PMCID: PMC10712574 DOI: 10.26633/rpsp.2023.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The objectives of this article are to reflect on the rationale behind the use of echocardiographic screening for rheumatic heart disease and to provide key recommendations about steps needed to implement and improve echocardiographic screening programs in Latin America. Rheumatic heart disease remains a public health problem affecting mainly low-income and lower-middle-income countries and populations. Latin America is an area with economic inequalities, and the epidemiology of rheumatic heart disease remains largely unknown. Echocardiographic screening is useful for updating the epidemiology and providing early diagnosis of the disease. We discuss different approaches used in successful echocardiographic screening programs worldwide and in Latin America. We then identify the key elements needed to establish successful echocardiographic screening programs in Latin America, including increased awareness and involvement from multiple sectors (e.g. the community, health care professionals, scientific organizations and public health entities), identification of areas in need, development of a plan and structure that include different screening approaches, and how to ensure appropriate follow up for those who screen positive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Urina-Jassir
- Department of MedicineBoston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of MedicineBostonUnited States of AmericaDepartment of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, United States of America
| | - Maria Alejandra Jaimes-Reyes
- Department of Internal MedicineMedStar Washington Hospital CenterWashington, D.C.United States of AmericaDepartment of Internal Medicine, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Daniela Urina-Jassir
- Section of CardiologyJohn W. Deming Department of MedicineTulane University School of MedicineNew OrleansUnited States of AmericaSection of Cardiology, John W. Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, United States of America
| | - Manuel Urina-Triana
- Unidad de Epidemiología ClínicaCentro de Investigación en Ciencias de la VidaUniversidad Simón BolívarBarranquillaColombiaUnidad de Epidemiología Clínica, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Miguel Urina-Triana
- Programa de CardiologíaFacultad de Ciencias de la SaludUniversidad Simón BolívarBarranquillaColombiaPrograma de Cardiología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Barranquilla, Colombia
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Elazrag A, Altahir A, Abbas A, Hasabo EA, Ahmed H, Ali H, Abdelrazig I, Ahmed M, Almahal M, Siddig M, Asmally R, Alrawa S, Mohamedelrasheed S, Elnaiem W, Ali S. Handheld echocardiographic screening for rheumatic heart disease by non-experts in rural South Kordofan, Sudan: Supporting task shifting for control of a serious disease. Int J Cardiol 2023; 377:99-103. [PMID: 36681245 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2023.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a major and preventable cause of cardiac morbidity in Sudan. It can be detected early with a handheld echocardiography (HHE) machine. Our study aimed to screen for RHD in rural South Kordofan and to investigate the ability of non-experts to obtain good quality HHE records. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in South Kordofan, Sudan. A team of non-experts was trained for two weeks on handheld echocardiographic screening for RHD using a simplified protocol. Cases were recorded and reviewed by a pediatric cardiologist. Demographic and clinical features of screened subjects were studied. Descriptive statistics were presented as "number (%)" or "mean ± SD". RHD frequency was expressed as cases per 1000, and the Chi-Square test/Fisher's Exact test was used to compare RHD findings between different groups. RESULTS A total of 467 subjects were screened. Echocardiographic quality was acceptable in 93% of recorded studies, hence 452 cases were included in the analysis. The disease frequency was found to be 50 per 1000. Out of 452 screened subjects (age 10-25 years), 23 were found to have RHD. The disease was mild in 70% and moderate or involving two valves in 30% of patients. Risk factors for the disease included the father's occupation and the village of residence. CONCLUSION Shortly trained non-expert medicals can assist in RHD surveillance in remote areas using HHE for early detection and management. South Kordofan state is highly endemic to RHD and a control program needs to be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amna Elazrag
- University of Khartoum, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Qasr Avenue, Box 11111, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Anfal Altahir
- University of Khartoum, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Qasr Avenue, Box 11111, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Azza Abbas
- University of Khartoum, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Qasr Avenue, Box 11111, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Elfatih A Hasabo
- University of Khartoum, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Qasr Avenue, Box 11111, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Hayat Ahmed
- University of Khartoum, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Qasr Avenue, Box 11111, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Hiba Ali
- University of Khartoum, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Qasr Avenue, Box 11111, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Ibrahim Abdelrazig
- University of Khartoum, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Qasr Avenue, Box 11111, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Mohamed Ahmed
- University of Khartoum, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Qasr Avenue, Box 11111, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Mohamed Almahal
- University of Khartoum, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Qasr Avenue, Box 11111, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Musab Siddig
- University of Khartoum, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Qasr Avenue, Box 11111, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Rofida Asmally
- University of Khartoum, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Qasr Avenue, Box 11111, Khartoum, Sudan.
| | - Salma Alrawa
- University of Khartoum, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Qasr Avenue, Box 11111, Khartoum, Sudan
| | | | - Walaa Elnaiem
- University of Khartoum, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Qasr Avenue, Box 11111, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Sulafa Ali
- University of Khartoum, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Qasr Avenue, Box 11111, Khartoum, Sudan
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Ali S, Medani MEA. Pediatric cardiac services in Sudan: Achievements, challenges, and future perspectives (2004-2021). Front Pediatr 2022; 10:793188. [PMID: 36440339 PMCID: PMC9682464 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.793188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric cardiology (PC) is a rapidly advancing specialty addressing a large population of children as well as adults with congenital heart disease. It requires huge technical and financial resources; therefore, establishing, maintaining, and developing such services in limited resource settings are challenging. A PC program that includes clinical aspects, echocardiography, diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterization and cardiac surgery, and rheumatic heart disease control was established in Sudan in 2004. There are currently three public centers with facilities to evaluate and treat children with heart disease: two in Khartoum and one in Wad Medani. Major obstacles include the shortage of trained personnel and operation rooms, the deficiency of intensive care facilities, and the financial burden of interventional procedures. This paper details the establishment and progress of the program, its challenges, potential solutions, and future perspectives for PC programs in Sudan and African countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulafa Ali
- Consultant Pediatric Cardiologist, Sudan Heart Center, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
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Shimanda PP, Söderberg S, Iipinge SN, Neliwa EM, Shidhika FF, Norström F. Rheumatic heart disease prevalence in Namibia: a retrospective review of surveillance registers. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2022; 22:266. [PMID: 35701751 PMCID: PMC9196853 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-022-02699-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is the most commonly acquired heart disease in children and young people in low and middle-income settings. Fragile health systems and scarcity of data persist to limit the understanding of the relative burden of this disease. The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of RHD and to assess the RHD-related health care systems in Namibia. METHODS Data was retrieved from outpatient and inpatient registers for all patients diagnosed and treated for RHD between January 2010 to December 2020. We used descriptive statistics to estimate the prevalence of RHD. Key observations and engagement with local cardiac clinicians and patients helped to identify key areas of improvement in the systems. RESULTS The outpatient register covered 0.032% of the adult Namibian population and combined with the cumulative incidence from the inpatient register we predict the prevalence of clinically diagnosed RHD to be between 0.05% and 0.10% in Namibia. Young people (< 18 years old) are most affected (72%), and most cases are from the north-eastern regions. Mitral heart valve impairment (58%) was the most common among patients. We identified weaknesses in care systems i.e., lack of patient unique identifiers, missing data, and clinic-based prevention activities. CONCLUSION The prevalence of RHD is expected to be lower than previously reported. It will be valuable to investigate latent RHD and patient follow-ups for better estimates of the true burden of disease. Surveillance systems needs improvements to enhance data quality. Plans for expansions of the clinic-based interventions must adopt the "Awareness Surveillance Advocacy Prevention" framework supported by relevant resolutions by the WHO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panduleni Penipawa Shimanda
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden.
- Clara Barton School of Nursing, Welwitchia Health Training Centre, Pelican Square, Windhoek, P. o. Box 1835, Namibia.
| | - Stefan Söderberg
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, 901 87, Sweden
| | - Scholastika Ndatinda Iipinge
- Clara Barton School of Nursing, Welwitchia Health Training Centre, Pelican Square, Windhoek, P. o. Box 1835, Namibia
| | | | - Fenny Fiindje Shidhika
- Department of Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology, Windhoek Central Hospital, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Fredrik Norström
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden
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Edwards JG, Barry M, Essam D, Elsayed M, Abdulkarim M, Elhossein BMA, Mohammed ZHA, Elnogomi A, Elfaki ASE, Elsayed A, Chang AY. Health system and patient-level factors serving as facilitators and barriers to rheumatic heart disease care in Sudan. Glob Health Res Policy 2021; 6:35. [PMID: 34598719 PMCID: PMC8486630 DOI: 10.1186/s41256-021-00222-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa despite widely available preventive therapies such as prophylactic benzathine penicillin G (BPG). In this study, we sought to characterize facilitators and barriers to optimal RHD treatment with BPG in Sudan. METHODS We conducted a mixed-methods study, collecting survey data from 397 patients who were enrolled in a national RHD registry between July and November 2017. The cross-sectional surveys included information on demographics, healthcare access, and patient perspectives on treatment barriers and facilitators. Factors associated with increased likelihood of RHD treatment adherence to prophylactic BPG were assessed by using adjusted logistic regression. These data were enhanced by focus group discussions with 20 participants, to further explore health system factors impacting RHD care. RESULTS Our quantitative analysis revealed that only 32% of the study cohort reported optimal prophylaxis adherence. Younger age, reduced primary RHD healthcare facility wait time, perception of adequate health facility staffing, increased treatment costs, and high patient knowledge about RHD were significantly associated with increased odds of treatment adherence. Qualitative data revealed significant barriers to RHD treatment arising from health services factors at the health system level, including lack of access due to inadequate healthcare staffing, lack of faith in local healthcare systems, poor ancillary services, and patient lack of understanding of disease. Facilitators of RHD treatment included strong interpersonal support. CONCLUSIONS Multiple patient and system-level barriers to RHD prophylaxis adherence were identified in Khartoum, Sudan. These included patient self-efficacy and participant perception of healthcare facility quality. Strengthening local health system infrastructure, while enhancing RHD patient education, may help to improve treatment adherence in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey G. Edwards
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
- Present Address: Boston Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine, Residency Program Coordinator, c/o Jeffrey Edwards, 801 Albany, St Boston, MA 02119-2598 USA
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Michele Barry
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
- Center for Innovation in Global Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Dary Essam
- Alazhari Health Research Center, Alzaeim Alazhari University, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Mohammed Elsayed
- Alazhari Health Research Center, Alzaeim Alazhari University, Khartoum, Sudan
| | | | | | - Zahia H. A. Mohammed
- Faculty of Medicine, Alzaeim Alazhari University, Khartoum, Sudan
- Department of Psychiatry, Alzaeim Alazhari University Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | | | - Amna S. E. Elfaki
- Alazhari Health Research Center, Alzaeim Alazhari University, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Ahmed Elsayed
- Alazhari Health Research Center, Alzaeim Alazhari University, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Andrew Y. Chang
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
- Center for Innovation in Global Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
- Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
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Scheel A, Mirabel M, Nunes MCP, Okello E, Sarnacki R, Steer AC, Engelman D, Zimmerman M, Zühlke L, Sable C, Beaton A. The inter-rater reliability and individual reviewer performance of the 2012 world heart federation guidelines for the echocardiographic diagnosis of latent rheumatic heart disease. Int J Cardiol 2021; 328:146-151. [PMID: 33186665 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2020.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2012, the World Heart Federation (WHF) published guidelines for the echocardiographic diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease (RHD). This study assesses individual reviewer performance and inter-rater agreement and reliability on the presence of any RHD, as well classification of RHD based on the 2012 WHF criteria. METHODS Four cardiologists individually reviewed echocardiograms in the context of a randomized clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT03346525) and participated in a blinded adjudication panel. Panel decision was the reference standard for diagnosis. Performance of individual reviewers to panel adjudication was compared through sensitivity and specificity analyses and inter-rater reliability was assessed between individual panelists using Fleiss free marginal multirater kappa. RESULTS Echocardiograms from 784 children had two independent reports and panel adjudication. The accuracy of independent reviewers for any RHD had high sensitivity (94%, 95% CI 93-95%) and moderate specificity (62%, 95% CI 53-70%). Sensitivity and specificity for definite RHD was 61.3 (95% CI, 55.3-67.1) and 93.1 (95% CI, 91.6-94.4), with 86.8 (84.7-88.7) and 65.8 (61.0-70.4) for borderline RHD. There was moderate inter-rater agreement (κ = 0.66) on the presence of any RHD while agreement for specific 2012 WHF classification was only fair (κ = 0.51). CONCLUSIONS The 2012 WHF guidelines are moderately reproducible when used by expert cardiologists. More cases of RHD were diagnosed by an consensus panel than by individual reviewers. A revision to the criteria is now warranted to further increase the reliability of the WHF criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Scheel
- Emory University School of Medicine, 100 Woodruff Circle, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
| | - Mariana Mirabel
- Université de Paris, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center PARCC, INSERM, 56 Rue Leblanc, 75015 Paris, France; Cardio-oncology unit, AP-HP, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, 20 Rue Leblanc, 75015 Paris, France.
| | - Maria Carmo Pereira Nunes
- School of Medicine of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190 - Santa Efigênia, Belo Horizonte, MG 30130-100, Brazil.
| | - Emmy Okello
- The Uganda Heart Institute, Block C, Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rachel Sarnacki
- Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave, NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA.
| | - Andrew C Steer
- Tropical Diseases, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, 50 Flemington Road Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Daniel Engelman
- Tropical Diseases, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, 50 Flemington Road Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Meghan Zimmerman
- Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, 1 Medical Center Dr, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA
| | - Liesl Zühlke
- Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Klipfontein Rd, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
| | - Craig Sable
- Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave, NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA.
| | - Andrea Beaton
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, The Heart Institute, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, 45229, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3230 Eden Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
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Contemporary trends in surgical rheumatic valve disease in a Caribbean nation. Int J Cardiol 2020; 328:215-217. [PMID: 33309762 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2020.12.023] [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] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical practice suggests that rheumatic heart disease (RHD) represents a significant public health challenge in the Caribbean region where advanced disease appears early often leading to surgical intervention. We aimed to determine the burden of RHD and type of procedure among patients undergoing valve surgery in the Dominican Republic (DR). METHODS Demographic, clinical and procedural data of all subjects intervened between January 2014 and December 2018 were obtained including valve disorder, anatomic location and type of surgery. Correlation coefficients were used to assess yearly trends of RHD among the 7 cardiovascular surgical centers in the country. RESULTS Of 1626 valvular surgeries performed, 733 (45%) corresponded to RHD; 55% female patients, age 50 ± 11 (6-72) years; involving mitral 458 (63%); mitral + aortic 139 (19%); aortic 105 (14%); mitral + tricuspid 31 (4%); 95% prosthetic replacement and 5% mitral/tricuspid repairs. Mean proportion of RHD valve procedures per center for the study period was 53 ± 34%. Age-adjusted analysis showed an overall upwards trend in RHD valvular surgery (mean annual increment of 50 ± 40%, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Despite inter-center variability, rates of surgical RHD in the DR increased during the last 5 years affecting a relatively young population. Mitral involvement was the predominant lesion and prosthetic replacement the leading procedure. These data may guide local and regional institutions and policy makers towards the implementation of cost-effective initiatives against RHD.
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