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Research
Evaluating the genetic contribution to rheumatic heart disease pathogenesis in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communitiesWe are conducting a genetic study to better understand why some people are susceptible to RHD and others are not.
Research
Head-to-head Pharmacokinetic Comparison of Bicillin ® L-A versus Lyophilised (Powdered) Benzathine Penicillin G administered by the Intramuscular and Subcutaneous RoutesFiji has one of the highest burdens of RHD is in the world and RHD is the second most common cause of death in young people in Fiji.
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Pacific Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) ProgramThe goal of the program is to establish the foundations of an effective, sustainable and equitable response to RHD in the Pacific.
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Improving Health Outcomes in the Tropical North: A Multidisciplinary Collaboration (HOT NORTH)‘Improving Health Outcomes in the Tropical North’ will strengthen partnerships with key research institutions across the NT, Qld, WA, NSW, Vic and SA, by undertaking an integrated research agenda that will help close the gap in Indigenous health disadvantage, protect the north from emerging infectious threats and
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What influences the implementation of health checks in the prevention and early detection of chronic diseases among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australian health careChronic disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. A comprehensive health assessment is available as an annual health check (HC) to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through the Medicare Benefits Schedule in primary health care settings. This review aims to systematically identify contextual and mechanistic factors that contribute to the success or failure of implementing effective HCs in the prevention and early detection of chronic diseases among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australian primary health care (PHC).
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Primary prevention of acute rheumatic feverAcute rheumatic fever (ARF) is an abnormal immune reaction following Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep A) infection of the throat, and likely the skin. Primary prevention is the prompt and appropriate antibiotic treatment of Strep A infection, and it can reduce the risk of developing ARF and subsequent rheumatic heart disease.
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Hospital admissions for skin and soft tissue infections in a population with endemic scabies: A prospective study in Fiji, 2018-2019Scabies is an important predisposing factor for impetigo but its role in more serious skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) is not well understood. Information is limited on incidence of SSTIs in the presence of endemic scabies. We conducted a prospective study of hospital admissions for SSTIs in the Northern Division of Fiji (population: 131,914). Prospective surveillance for admissions with impetigo, abscess, cellulitis, wound infection, pyomyositis, necrotizing fasciitis, infected scabies, and crusted scabies was conducted at the Division's referral hospital between 2018 to 2019. Information was collected on demographic characteristics, clinical features, microbiology, treatment and outcomes.
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Improving the well-being for young people living with rheumatic heart disease: A peer support pilot program through Danila Dilba Health ServiceAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia have an inequitable burden of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD), concentrated among young people and necessitating ongoing medical care during adolescence. There is an unmet need for improved well-being and support for these young people to complement current biomedical management.
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The American Heart Association’s Call to Action for Reducing the Global Burden of Rheumatic Heart Disease: A Policy Statement From the American Heart AssociationJoseph Rosemary Jonathan Kado Wyber Carapetis AM PhD MBChB MPH FRACGP PhD AM MBBS FRACP FAFPHM PhD FAHMS Senior Research Fellow Senior Research
Research
The evidence that rheumatic heart disease control programs in Australia are making an impactRheumatic heart disease (RHD) comprises heart-valve damage caused by acute rheumatic fever (ARF). The Australian Government Rheumatic Fever Strategy funds RHD Control Programs to support detection and management of ARF and RHD. We assessed epidemiological changes during the years of RHD Control Program operation.