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Since 1955, the recommended strategy for rheumatic heart disease secondary prophylaxis has been benzathine penicillin G injections administered intramuscularly every 4 weeks. Due to dosing frequency, pain, and programmatic challenges, adherence is suboptimal. It has previously been demonstrated that BPG delivered subcutaneously at a standard dose is safe and tolerable and has favorable pharmacokinetics, setting the scene for improved regimens with less frequent administration.
Secondary antibiotic prophylaxis reduces progression of latent rheumatic heart disease (RHD) but not all children benefit. Improved risk stratification could refine recommendations following positive screening. We aimed to evaluate the performance of a previously developed echocardiographic risk score to predict mid-term outcomes among children with latent RHD.
Researchers from the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases at The Kids Research Institute Australia have shared their expertise with the community in Cockburn, covering topics ranging from respiratory disease in babies to recurring ear infections in kids.
Aboriginal health is everyone's business. The needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and kids is integrated into all relevant areas of our work. Improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids and families is an overarching priority for every team at The Kids.
End RHD CRE News & Events
Latest news & events at the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines & Infectious Diseases.
Six leading health organisations have joined a new coalition to end rheumatic heart disease in Australia, disproportionately affecting Indigenous Australians.
The prevalence of group A streptococcal disease remains high among symptomatic individuals residing in Africa
These results indicate that anaphylaxis is not a major cause of adverse reactions to benzathine penicillin G
Efforts to eliminate ARF and RHD in Australia over the past decade have so far been unsuccessful, but this can change