A Retrospective Linked Data Analysis of Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease Diagnoses in Children Aged Under Five Years in Australia, 2001-2017

Jamie Cransberg; Judith Katzenellenbogen; Bo Remenyi; Carl Francia; Kevin Murray; Ingrid Stacey

doi:10.1111/ajr.70135

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A Retrospective Linked Data Analysis of Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease Diagnoses in Children Aged Under Five Years in Australia, 2001-2017

Journal article

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A Retrospective Linked Data Analysis of Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease Diagnoses in Children Aged Under Five Years in Australia, 2001-2017

Jamie Cransberg, Judith Katzenellenbogen, Bo Remenyi, Carl Francia, Kevin Murray and Ingrid Stacey

The Australian journal of rural health, Vol.34(1), e70135

2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ajr.70135

PMID: 41531348

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Abstract

aboriginal and Torres Strait islander

acute rheumatic fever

linked data

paediatric cardiology

rheumatic heart disease

Objective To describe the clinical and demographic profile of Australian children first diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever (ARF) or rheumatic heart disease (RHD) before the age of 5 years, with comparison to children aged 5–14 years. Methods Linked emergency department, hospitalisation, RHD register and death records from the End RHD in Australia: Study of Epidemiology were used to identify first ARF/RHD diagnosis occurring in < 15-year-olds. Demographic/clinical profiles and pre-diagnosis healthcare interactions were analysed with stratification into 5-year age groups. Design Retrospective cross-sectional linked administrative data analysis. Setting Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia. Participants Children aged < 15 years at first hospitalisation or notification for ARF or RHD, 2001–2017. Main Outcome Measures Disease stage and severity at diagnosis, register notification status, clinical history prior to ARF or RHD diagnosis. Results Of 2382 children diagnosed with ARF/RHD aged < 15 years, 180 (7.6%) were aged under 5 years. Among under 5-year-olds with ARF or RHD, 30.6% had not been notified to RHD registers. A total 49 under 5-year-olds were diagnosed with RHD; with 22 (44.9%) classified as having mild disease, 16 (32.7%) moderate and 6 (12.2%) severe. High hospitalisation rates for injury in the first year of life were observed for the < 5-year-old cohort with ARF/RHD. Conclusions We present the first comprehensive Australian evidence that ARF and RHD diagnoses are occurring in Australian children aged under 5 years. Greater awareness among clinicians is needed regarding ARF/RHD as a potential diagnosis in this young, high risk age group.

Details

Title: A Retrospective Linked Data Analysis of Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease Diagnoses in Children Aged Under Five Years in Australia, 2001-2017
Authors/Creators: Jamie Cransberg - The University of Western Australia
Judith Katzenellenbogen - The University of Western Australia
Bo Remenyi - Charles Darwin University
Carl Francia - Queensland Health
Kevin Murray - The University of Western Australia
Ingrid Stacey - The University of Western Australia
Publication Details: The Australian journal of rural health, Vol.34(1), e70135
Grant note: 2005398 / National Health and Medical Research Council 110335 / National Heart Foundation of Australia 1146525 / National Health and Medical Research Council 102043 / National Heart Foundation of Australia
Identifiers: 991005884845307891
Murdoch Affiliation: Ngangk Yira Institute for Change
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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