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Improving primary prevention of acute rheumatic fever in Australia: consensus primary care priorities identified through an eDelphi processTo establish the priorities of primary care providers to improve assessment and treatment of skin sores and sore throats among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at risk of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD).
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Searching for a technology-driven acute rheumatic fever test: the START study protocolThe absence of a diagnostic test for acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is a major impediment in managing this serious childhood condition. ARF is an autoimmune condition triggered by infection with group A Streptococcus.
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Structured review of primary interventions to reduce group A streptococcal infections, acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart diseaseRheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a large, preventable, global public health burden. In New Zealand (NZ), acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and RHD rates are highest for Māori and Pacific children. This structured review explores the evidence for primary prevention interventions to diagnose and effectively treat group A Streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis and skin infections to reduce rates of ARF and RHD.
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The economic and health burdens of diseases caused by group A Streptococcus in New ZealandIn preparation for the future arrival of a group A Streptococcus (GAS) vaccine, this study estimated the economic and health burdens of GAS diseases in New Zealand. The annual incidence of GAS diseases was based on extrapolation of the average number of primary healthcare episodes managed each year in general practices (2014-2016) and on the average number of hospitalizations occurring each year (2005-2014). Disease incidence was multiplied by the average cost of diagnosing and managing an episode of disease at each level of care to estimate the annual economic burden.
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Standardizing clinical care measures of rheumatic heart disease in pregnancy: A qualitative synthesisPregnancy provides an opportunity to strengthen health system responses and address whole-of-life health for women with rheumatic heart disease
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Primary prevention of rheumatic fever in the 21st century: evaluation of a national programmePopulation-based primary prevention of ARF through sore throat management may be effective in well-resourced settings like New Zealand
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Rheumatic heart disease in pregnancy: How can health services adapt to the needs of Indigenous women? A qualitative studyHealth systems did not meet the needs of pregnant Aboriginal women with rheumatic heart disease
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Rheumatic heart disease: infectious disease origin, chronic care approach.Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a chronic cardiac condition with an infectious aetiology, causing high disease burden in low-income settings.
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Adherence to secondary prophylaxis for rheumatic heart disease is underestimated by register data.Adequate resources are needed for maintenance of data quality in acute rheumatic fever/ rheumatic heart disease registers to ensure provision of evidence-based care and accurate assessment of program impact.
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Improving delivery of secondary prophylaxis for rheumatic heart disease in remote Indigenous communitiesThis trial aims to improve uptake of secondary prophylaxis among Aboriginal people with ARF/RHD to reduce progression or worsening of RHD.