Title : Rheumatic heart disease in the 21st century: Challenges and opportunities
Abstract:
During the presentation, the epidemiology and background of Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD), with attention to statistics, global burden, and consequences will shortly be presented, followed by data on the resurgence of the disease in areas where it was previously eradicated. Awareness will be raised for the epidemiology and challenges of RHD and the resurgence of RHD in the Western world where it had previously disappeared. With the increase in RHD diagnosis in areas where expertise has diminished over the years, the presentation will focus on diagnosis, management and disease outcome with information that can be applied in daily clinical practice. To enhance understanding of RHD diagnosis, various diagnostic tools will be explored, such as echocardiography and other imaging techniques. Additionally, existing treatment options, ranging from medication to valve surgery will be discussed, while emphasizing the crucial role of lifelong monitoring and management. The most common adverse events and the main risk factors will be discussed. In terms of prevention, primary prevention strategies will be discussed, including good hygiene practices and prompt antibiotic treatment of strep throat, highlighting the potential for eradicating RHD through effective measures. Furthermore, we will emphasize the importance of secondary prevention through early diagnosis and prompt intervention. We will delve into the significance of screening programs and registries in uncovering disease prevalence, characteristics, burden, and outcomes. Furthermore, the audience will be introduced to the Aswan Rheumatic Heart Disease Registry (ARGI), and presented preliminary results on demographics, patient characteristics, disease burden, complications, interventions, disease outcome, adverse events, and risk factors. Gender differences will be discussed, emphasizing the difference in prevalence and disease outcomes. Overall, our presentation aims to raise awareness about Rheumatic Heart disease, address the challenges and opportunities for improving management, care, and disease outcomes. The presentation will conclude with a global call to action by urging establishing databases for the collection of data and collaboration among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities to implement effective prevention and disease control programs. The audience will be introduced to a multi-national, multi-center RHD research initiative encompassing epidemiological studies and investigations into the pathogenesis of RHD, including associated humoral and cellular-mediated immune responses, in which they can partake, encouraging the establishment of RHD datasets in order to improve disease understanding and the development of policies for disease prevention, treatment and eradication. Finally, we will discuss future prospects, innovative diagnostic tools, and the urgent need for global action and policies. The presentation will conclude with an interactive Q&A session to engage the audience and provide resources for further exploration.
Audience Take Away
- Explain how the audience will be able to use what they learn? How will this help the audience in their job?
The audience will gain a comprehensive understanding of the epidemiology and challenges associated with Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD), including its alarming resurgence in Western countries where it had previously been eradicated. We will emphasize the need for heightened awareness and decisive action in response to the increasing diagnosis of RHD in regions where expertise and focus on the disease have diminished over time.
A key focus of the presentation will center on equipping attendees with practical knowledge and insights applicable to their daily clinical practice. We will delve into the diagnosis, management, and disease outcomes of RHD, providing valuable information that can be immediately implemented in their professional settings. Moreover, for audience members hailing from endemic areas currently grappling with RHD, our presentation will create a platform for open discussion. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their personal experiences, exchange best practices in their daily medical routines, and address the challenges they face. Together, we will explore future prospects and contemplate potential solutions to enhance RHD management and care. It is our intention to foster an environment of collaboration and shared learning, where healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds can engage in meaningful dialogue about their experiences and aspirations. By doing so, we can collectively work towards improving the care provided to RHD patients and envision a brighter future for affected communities. - Is this research that other faculty could use to expand their research or teaching?
The audience will have the opportunity to become acquainted with the Aswan Rheumatic Heart Disease Registry (ARGI) and actively participate in a multinational, multicenter research initiative. This initiative encompasses a wide range of studies, including epidemiological investigations as well as research into the pathogenesis of RHD, focusing on the associated humoral and cellular-mediated immune responses. Collaboration in this initiative is of paramount importance as it plays a pivotal role in deepening our understanding of the disease. By joining forces, we can collectively contribute to the development of policies for the prevention, treatment, and ultimate eradication of RHD. Through the registry and research initiative, we aim to gather comprehensive data on various aspects of RHD, including demographics, patient characteristics, disease burden, complications, interventions, disease outcomes, adverse events, and risk factors. This wealth of information will serve as a valuable resource for guiding prevention strategies, improving treatment approaches, and enhancing overall care for individuals affected by RHD. We strongly encourage the audience to actively participate in this global collaboration, as it will facilitate the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and best practices among healthcare professionals from different regions. By working together, we can accelerate progress in RHD research and translate our findings into tangible improvements in patient outcomes. In conclusion, the Aswan Rheumatic Heart Disease Registry and the multinational, multicenter research initiative provide a unique opportunity for the audience to contribute to the understanding and management of RHD. Through their involvement, they can help shape policies and practices that will make a real difference in the prevention, treatment, and eventual eradication of this debilitating disease. - Does this provide a practical solution to a problem that could simplify or make a designer’s job more efficient? Will it improve the accuracy of a design, or provide new information to assist in a design problem?
The primary objective of this presentation is to raise awareness about Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) and highlight the challenges and opportunities for improving its management, care, and disease outcomes. By shedding light on the current state of RHD, we aim to inspire action and drive positive change in the field. Additionally, we will emphasize the importance of establishing comprehensive databases that serve as essential resources for RHD. These databases will form the foundation for collecting and analyzing crucial data related to the disease, ultimately contributing to the development of effective prevention, treatment, and eradication strategies. By encouraging the audience to take an active role in establishing these databases, we can ensure that the necessary information is available to inform decision-making processes. This data will provide valuable insights into the prevalence, characteristics, burden, and outcomes of RHD, enabling healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers to make informed choices and implement evidence-based interventions. Ultimately, the establishment of these databases will serve as a catalyst for progress in combating RHD. By harnessing the power of data, we can drive improvements in prevention efforts, enhance treatment protocols, and work towards the ultimate goal of eradicating this debilitating disease. In conclusion, this presentation seeks to raise awareness about RHD, highlight opportunities for improvement in its management and care, and inspire the audience to contribute to the establishment of comprehensive databases. Through these collective efforts, we can gather the necessary data to inform effective strategies and ultimately make a significant impact on the prevention, treatment, and eradication of Rheumatic Heart Disease.
Other aims:
- Increase awareness of rheumatic heart disease, its causes, and impact on global health.
- Discuss demographics and patient characteristics
- Emphasize on the increase in RHD in areas where disease was eradicated and the changing demographics
- Explain the connection between streptococcal infections and rheumatic fever, the precursor to RHD.
- Discuss symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for RHD.
- Highlight the critical role of prevention through community interventions and accessible healthcare.
- Discuss the challenges in diagnosis and treatment of RHD
- Discuss future prospects, innovative diagnostic tools, and the need for global action
