Acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease
The Australian Guideline for Prevention, Diagnosis and Management of Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease (2nd Edition).
The revised guideline expands on the first edition to provide clinicians with additional information on preventative action, diagnosis and management of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD).
The guidelines have clarified common questions and broadened the diagnosis criteria for probable ARF in high risk groups in order to assist clinicians when there are uncertain cases of ARF. A summary of the changes within the revised guideline can be found on pages 7–9.
RHD Australia envisages that reduced improved clinical care will result from improved and updated clinical care procedures for patients with ARF and RHD.
Quick reference guides cover the following topics:
- Primary prevention of ARF
- Diagnosis of ARF
- Management of ARF
- Secondary prevention of ARF
- Management of RHD
- RHD in pregnancy
- RHD control programs
Guidelines
- Access the guidelines and quick reference guides on the RHDAustralia website
- Printed copies are available from control programs. Visit RHDAustralia for contact details.
- For those not located in the Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia or South Australia please email info@rhdaustralia.org.au.
- Key information from the guideline is available to access from your iPhone, iPad and Android phone for free.
eLearning modules
RHDAustralia has two suites of self-paced accredited eLearning modules.- Clinician modules: Fifteen specialised modules developed by clinicians for clinicians on RHD topics such as pregnancy, mitral valve disease, medical management of aortic valve disease and dental care.
- Health worker modules: For the entire health workforce to provide a basic understanding of best-practice approaches to the prevention, diagnosis and management of ARF and RHD.
Information for your patients
- The RHDAustralia website has information for patients, families and communities about prevention and treatment of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.
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