Abstract
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children and young adults. It continues to be prevalent in many low- and middle-income countries where it causes significant morbidity and mortality. Following the 2017 Cairo conference “Rheumatic Heart Disease: from Molecules to the Global Community,” experts from 21 countries formulated an approach for addressing the problem of RHD: “The Cairo Accord on Rheumatic Heart Disease.” The Accord attempts to set policy priorities for the eradication of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and RHD and builds on a recent series of policy initiatives and calls to action. We present an update on the recommendations of the Cairo Accord and discuss recent progress toward the eradication of RHD, including contributions from our own Aswan Rheumatic Heart Disease Registry (ARGI).
Highlights
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a late consequence of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) following group A streptococcal (GAS) infection [1]
The Cairo Accord was formulated in 2017 following a meeting entitled “Rheumatic Heart Disease - From Molecules to The Community” [21, 22] and attempts to set criteria and priorities for addressing the problems related to RHD and achieving the eradication of RHD through different approaches
There has been considerable progress and much has been learned since the Cairo Accords were formulated, much remains to be done to enhance the global priority of ARF and RHD
Summary
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a late consequence of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) following group A streptococcal (GAS) infection [1]. Until rheumatic valve disease is medically preventable the cardiac surgical community is responsible for improving the surgical treatment offered to these patients This can be achieved by case selection and improving the adoption of valve repair as well as standardizing techniques, auditing outcomes and following results. This is exemplified by the regular workshops carried out by the Aswan Heart Centre which attracts cardiac surgeons from all over the region to discuss and exchange experience in rheumatic mitral valve repair as well as surgery for atrial fibrillation. Parallel progress in the design of affordable percutaneous tools for insertion of these valves is being made [109,110,111]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
