Bronchiectasis is not one disease. It has a significant impact on healthcare utilization and survival. Differences between populations are likely to relate to differing aetiologies and understanding the drivers of bronchiectasis in disadvantaged populations will be key.

BackgroundRheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) cause considerable morbidity and mortality amongst Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations. Secondary antibiotic prophylaxis in the form of 4-weekly benzathine penicillin injections is the mainstay of control programs. Evidence suggests, however, that delivery rates of such prophylaxis are poor.MethodsThis qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with patients, parents/care givers and health professionals, to explore the enablers of and barriers to the uptake of secondary prophylaxis. Data from participant interviews (with 11 patients/carers and 11 health practitioners) conducted in four far north Queensland sites were analyzed using the method of constant comparative analysis.ResultsDeficits in registration and recall systems and pain attributed to injections were identified as barriers to secondary prophylaxis uptake. There were also varying perceptions regarding responsibility for ensuring injection delivery. Enablers of secondary prophylaxis uptake included positive patient-healthcare provider relationships, supporting patient autonomy, education of patients, care givers and healthcare providers, and community-based service delivery.ConclusionThe study findings provide insights that may facilitate enhancement of secondary prophylaxis delivery systems and thereby improve uptake of secondary prophylaxis for RF/RHD.

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Objective To describe the epidemiology of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in pregnancy in Australia and New Zealand (A&NZ). Design Prospective population‐based study. Setting Hospital‐based maternity units throughout A&NZ. Population Pregnant women with RHD with a birth outcome of ≥20 weeks of gestation between January 2013 and December 2014. Methods We identified eligible women using the Australasian Maternity Outcomes Surveillance System (AMOSS). De‐identified antenatal, perinatal and postnatal data were collected and analysed. Main outcome measures Prevalence of RHD in pregnancy. Perinatal morbidity and mortality. Results There were 311 pregnancies associated with women with RHD (4.3/10 000 women giving birth, 95% CI 3.9–4.8). In Australia, 78% were Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (60.4/10 000, 95% CI 50.7–70.0), while in New Zealand 90% were Māori or Pasifika (27.2/10 000, 95% CI 22.0–32.3). One woman (0.3%) died and one in ten was admitted to coronary or intensive care units postpartum. There were 314 births with seven stillbirths (22.3/1000 births) and two neonatal deaths (6.5/1000 births). Sixty‐six (21%) live‐born babies were preterm and one in three was admitted to neonatal intensive care or special care units. Conclusion Rheumatic heart disease in pregnancy persists in disadvantaged First Nations populations in A&NZ. It is associated with significant cardiac and perinatal morbidity. Preconception planning and counselling and RHD screening in at‐risk pregnant women are essential for good maternal and baby outcomes. Tweetable abstract Rheumatic heart disease in pregnancy persists in First Nations people in Australia and New Zealand and is associated with major cardiac and perinatal morbidity.