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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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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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Impact of mitral regurgitation on left ventricular remodeling and function in children with rheumatic heart diseaseThe impact of mitral regurgitation from pediatric rheumatic heart disease and its effect on left ventricular remodeling and function following surgical intervention is uncertain. The objective is to explore the impact of mitral valve surgeries on myocardial mechanics, remodeling and function and identify pre-operative predictors of post-operative dysfunction which may contribute to the optimal timing of intervention.
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Population-based assessment of cardiovascular complications of rheumatic heart disease in Fiji: a record-linkage analysisTo determine population-based rates of non-fatal complications of rheumatic heart disease (RHD).
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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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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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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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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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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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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