The epidemiology of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in Queensland, 2017-2021: a population-level cohort study using linked administrative data.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To determine the incidence and prevalence of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in Queensland during the period 2017-2021.

Study design

Population-level retrospective cohort study using linked administrative data.

Setting, participants

Queensland residents aged younger than 45 years for ARF and younger than 55 years for RHD, identified from hospital, emergency department, death and Queensland RHD Register records for the period 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2021.

Main outcome measures

Age-specific and age-standardised incidence and prevalence of ARF and RHD; and age-standardised incidence and prevalence ratios comparing Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations.

Results

736 ARF episodes occurred among 670 people (395

SUBMITTER: Francia Saibai Koedal Awgadhalayg Guda Maluylgal Nation CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12683305 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature