Infective Endocarditis and Rheumatic Heart Disease in the North of Australia

Epidemiologic features and long-term outcome of dialysis patients with infective endocarditis in Taiwan

“…In our study, patient with RHD had a higher risk of developing IE (HR: 3.07; 95% CI: 1.99-4.75) than did patients with underlying valvular heart disease. This association between RHD and a higher risk for IE is well documented in the developing world [5,26], but is no longer seen in many developed countries [27]. The studies on IE confirm that in most Asian countries, at least half of all cases of this severe and often fatal disease are due to underlying RHD, although in some countries with emerging middle classes, this proportion is probably lower [6].…”

Pregnancy outcome in rheumatic mitral stenosis patients with and without surgical correction: a prospective cohort study

“…[15][16][17] Although the majority of rheumatic valve disease cases are only mildly affected, a minority progress to more severe disease requiring valve surgery. 18 MS remains the most common acquired valvular lesion in pregnant women and the most common cause of maternal death from cardiac causes worldwide. 6 The rate of fetal morbidity, including fetal growth restriction and preterm birth, rises with the severity of MS from 14 % in pregnant patients with mild MS, to 28and 33% in pregnant patients with moderate and severe MS, respectively.…”

Prevention of infective endocarditis associated with dental interventions: South African Heart Association position statement, endorsed by the South African Dental Association

“…(5) This association is well documented in the developing world, (5)(6)(7)(8) but is no longer seen in many higher income countries, (5,9) where the prevalence of rheumatic fever has declined, (5,10) and the use of intravenous recreational drugs is more common. (5,11) It is obvious that the first step in the prevention of IE in developing countries would be to reduce the pool of patients who are susceptible to this infection. This would require effective programmes to prevent rheumatic fever (and recurrences) and, hence, RHD.…”

“…(23) An Australian survey has however since reported that RHD-associated IE was not confined to indigenous Australians, with 42% being non-indigenous. (5) It was therefore recommended that the indications for prophylaxis prior to procedures, which cause bacteraemia, should be broadened to include all with RHD, (5) as do the New Zealand guidelines. (24) In India, there are no recommendations issued by any local professional organisation, and hence the decision is left to the discretion of the individual physician/dentist.…”