The 2020 Australian guideline for prevention, diagnosis and management of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.

The 2020 Australian guideline for prevention, diagnosis and management of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. Med J Aust. 2020 Nov 15;: Authors: Ralph AP, Noonan S, Wade V, Currie BJ Abstract INTRODUCTION: Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) cause significant morbidity and premature mortality among Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. RHD Australia has produced a fully updated clinical guideline in response to new knowledge gained since the 2012 edition. The guideline aligns with major international ARF and RHD practice guidelines from the American Heart Association and World Heart Federation to ensure best practice. The GRADE system was used to assess the quality and strength of evidence where appropriate. MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS: The 2020 Australian guideline details best practice care for people with or at risk of ARF and RHD. It provides up-to-date guidance on primordial, primary and secondary prevention, diagnosis and management, preconception and perinatal management of women with RHD, culturally safe practice, provision of a trained and supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce, disease burden, RHD screening, control programs and new technologies. CHANGES IN MANAGEMENT AS A RESULT OF THE GUIDELINE: Key changes include updating of ARF and RHD diagnostic criteria; change in secondary prophylaxis duration; improved pain management for intra...
Source: Medical Journal of Australia - Category: General Medicine Tags: Med J Aust Source Type: research