Outcomes of latent rheumatic heart disease: External validation of a simplified score in patients with and without secondary prophylaxis

Secondary antibiotic prophylaxis reduces progression of latent rheumatic heart disease (RHD) but not all children benefit. Improved risk stratification could refine recommendations following positive screening. We aimed to evaluate the performance of a previously developed echocardiographic risk score to predict mid-term outcomes among children with latent RHD.

Citation:
Nascimento BR, Nunes MCP, da Silva JLP, Steer A, Engelman D, Okello E, et al. Outcomes of latent rheumatic heart disease: External validation of a simplified score in patients with and without secondary prophylaxis. Int J Cardiol. 2024;39:131662

Keywords:
Outcomes; Progression; Rheumatic heart disease; Risk; Score; Screening

Abstract:
Secondary antibiotic prophylaxis reduces progression of latent rheumatic heart disease (RHD) but not all children benefit. Improved risk stratification could refine recommendations following positive screening. We aimed to evaluate the performance of a previously developed echocardiographic risk score to predict mid-term outcomes among children with latent RHD.