Screening-detected rheumatic heart disease can progress to severe disease

Conclusions The natural history of screening-detected RHD is not benign. Most definite RHD cases persist and others may require surgery or succumb. Progression of borderline cases to severe RHD demonstrates the need for monitoring and individualised consideration of prophylaxis. Robust health system structures are needed for follow-up and delivery of secondary prophylaxis if RHD screening is to be scaled up.

http://heartasia.bmj.com/cgi/content/short/8/2/67?rss=1

Source: Heart Asia - November 27, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Engelman, D., Wheaton, G. R., Mataika, R. L., Kado, J. H., Colquhoun, S. M., Remenyi, B., Steer, A. C. Tags: Original research Source Type: research