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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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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.
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Comparison of approaches to rheumatic fever surveillance across Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries.Rheumatic fever (RF) prevention, control and surveillance are increasingly important priorities in New Zealand (NZ) and Australia.
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Post-infectious group A streptococcal autoimmune syndromes and the heartARF is a classical example of an autoimmune syndrome and is of particular immunological interest because it follows a known antecedent infection with group A...
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Echocardiographic screening in a resource poor setting: Borderline rheumatic heart disease could be a normal variantCross-sectional observational study across ten primary schools in Fiji in school children aged 5-14 years.
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Echocardiographic screening for rheumatic heart disease in high and low risk Australian childrenWe aimed to establish the prevalence of RHD in high-risk Indigenous Australian children using these criteria and to compare the findings with a group of...
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Position statement of the World Heart Federation on the prevention and control of rheumatic heart diseaseIn the 21st century, rheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) are neglected diseases of marginalized communities.