Determining the Risk of Developing Rheumatic Heart Disease Following a Negative Screening Echocardiogram

• DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.632621
• Publication Date: 2021-02-13T18:12:32Z
• Authors: Meghan Zimmerman; Amy Scheel; Alyssa DeWyer; Jane-Liz Nambogo; Isaac Omara Otim; Alison Tompsett; Joselyn Rwebembera; Emmy Okello; Craig Sable; Andrea Beaton
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; pediatrics; screening; RC666-701; echocardiography; global health; Diseases of the circulatory (Cardiovascular) system; rheumatic heart disease; Cardiovascular Medicine; 3. Good health

Background: Screening echocardiograms can detect early-stage rheumatic heart disease (RHD), offering a chance to limit progression. Implementation of screening programs is challenging and requires further research. This the first large-scale study assessing risk RHD among previous screen-negative children. Methods: retrospective cohort study, conducted in Gulu, Uganda, performed school-based echo on children ages 5–18 years. Surveys were used determine which underwent initial 3–5 years prior. Age, gender, severity compared between cohorts. Relative (RR) was calculated for those with prior (exposed cohort) undergoing (unexposed cohort). Results: Echo completed 75,708 children; 226 excluded, leaving 1,582 exposed 73,900 unexposed cohort. Prevalence new 0.6% (10/1,582) 1% (737/73,900), cohorts, respectively. The RR 0.64 (95% CI 0.3–1.2, p = 0.15), nearly 40% reduced negative echo. There no difference age or gender All cases borderline/mild; 2.6% had moderate/severe disease. Conclusion: statistical prevalence echocardiogram, however, there trend toward decreased severity. information has important implications design use endemic regions.