Prevalence of rheumatic heart disease in 4720 asymptomatic scholars from South Africa and Ethiopia

Abstract

There were significant differences in detecting asymptomatic RHD in school pupils of different countries and in different communities within a country in sub-Saharan Africa. The variation in the prevalence of RHD between countries and communities has important implications for the modelling of the global burden of RHD.

The prevalence of rheumatic heart disease among Grade 10 - 12 learners in the Free State and Northern Cape – Preliminary results of the Wheels-of-Hope Outreach Programme

“…(17) Our results (4.9/1 000), in an older age group cohort, however corresponds with the definitive RHD rate mentioned in the Engel study (2.3/1 000 in Bonteheuwel and 6.9/1 000 in Langa). As previously mentioned, the highly variable findings in the older age groups of the Engel study makes inter-study age group comparisons difficult.…”

“…(17) The study found a prevalence rate of 30.5/1 000 in Jimma and 20.2/1 000 in Cape Town. Two populations were studied in Cape Town.…”

Screening for asymptomatic rheumatic heart disease: Understanding the mechanisms key to the diagnostic criteria

“…This strategy relies entirely on case detection and echocardiography has been identified as a superior modality (compared to clinical screening with auscultation) to deliver these cases. (5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15) However, this strategy has its problems. This focused review will critically evaluate the shortcomings of the current criteria used for the screening of asymptomatic RHD.…”

Advice to health professionals: Use of lignocaine as a diluent to reduce the pain associated with the administration of benzathine penicillin G

“…[2] In Mozambique and South Africa, RHD is estimated to affect 20 -30/1 000 asymptomatic schoolchildren. [3,4] Intramuscular penicillin is more effective than oral penicillin in the secondary preven tion of acute rheumatic fever (ARF), and is highly effective for the primary prevention of ARF in children and young adults with pharyngitis. [5,6] Intramuscular benzathine penicillin G (BPG) is therefore a first-line drug for primary and secondary prevention of ARF and RHD.…”