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The Getting every child's heart OK (gECHO) study is a population based survey to document the extent of undiagnosed rheumatic heart disease (RHD). The aim of this project is to determine the prevalence of RHD among Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous children by screening children aged between 5 and 14. It also aims to determine the most sensitive and specific screening method for RHD and use this information to guide future screening programs.
The Kimberley is one of four sites across the north of Australia which will screen school aged children aged between 5 and 14 in approximately eight remote communities. This will involve a 10 minute screening echocardiogram. If abnormalities are noted on this screening echocardiogram, these children will then progress to a full echocardiogram. The results of any abnormal echocardiograms will be referred on to the relevant doctors, specialists and other clinical staff for appropriate follow-up so that any children with previously undiagnosed RHD can be offered prophylaxis.
Data on the prevalence of RHD will be collected. This data will be used not only to report on the true prevalence of RHD in the Kimberley, but also the most sensitive and specific methods of screening and refine the current consensus case definition of RHD based on echocardiography-based diagnosis (i.e. refine the diagnostic criteria for accurate echocardiographic screening).
Abstract adapted from Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Council (KAMSC)
Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Council (KAMSC)
Corner of Anne and Dora Streets
PO Box 1377
Broome WA 6725
Ph: (08) 9194 3200
Fax: (08) 9192 2500
Email: kamsc@kamsc.org.au
