PANAJI
Latest findings by team of researchers from Goa and other states have revealed that Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) continues to be a major public health concern in children.
These findings were published in the world's leading scientific journal ‘International Journal of Cardiology' this month and researchers led by Prof Anita Saxena, paediatric cardiologist at AIIMS-Delhi, included a team from GMC comprising Dr Ankush Dessai (consultant endocrinologist), Dr Kedareshwar Narvencar (Department of Medicine), Dr Amit Dias (Department of Preventive Medicine) and Dr Ana Karina Jacques (Echocardiographer).
The study ‘Echocardiographic prevalence of Rheumatic Heart Disease in Indian school children using the World Heart Federation Criteria' was conducted on 16,294 children between 5-15 years from various states, including 2020 students from Goa.
Dr Anita Saxena explained that RHD, if untreated, can result in heart failure, arrhythmias, stroke, endocarditis and complications of pregnancy.
"It adversely impacts quality of life and can lead to premature death. With advances in medical science, one can intervene with cardiac surgery and valve replacements, but prevention is always better than cure. Prevention or early identification spares the morbidity associated with the disease," said Dr Saxena.
Dr Ankush Dessai, principal investigator of the study in Goa, said overall prevalence of RHD was found to be 7.7/1000 in children, adding that the study was conducted in Goa, Ballabgarh, South Gujarat and Manipur," he explained.
"We also looked at risk factors associated with RHD. Females had a significantly higher prevalence of RHD compared to males. There was no difference in urban and rural status, place of residence, family size or type of housing, traditionally known to be risk factors for RHD," he said.
Dr Dias said the findings of the study were very significant. "Although the number of RHD cases have declined over the years, the current study shows that we still have a significant burden and one must be aware of the condition and take measures to prevent it at the subclinical stage and prevent further progression."
"The prevalence in Goa was 11.4/1000, higher than that in the other states, but the difference was not statistically significant. Rheumatic disease is a chronic, progressive, disabling and sometimes fatal disease, but it is definitely preventable," he emphasised.
Dr Narvencar explained that the study using echocardiographic methods for diagnosis of RHD has a distinct advantage over clinical methods, as they can detect subclinical cases which need early intervention.
"All those detected with RHD in the Goa study have been advised to followup at GMC,' said Dr Narvencar.
Dr Jacques, who examined 2020 students in Goa for RHD and sent the samples to Dr Saxena in Delhi, informed that few studies have been published using these recent World Heart Federation guidelines.
Dr Dias has advised people to be aware that sore throat, rash and fleeting joint pains could be signs of rheumatic fever.
"They must get themselves examined to prevent damage to the heart. The treatment is available free of cost at all health centres in the State." he said.
