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Epidemiology

Incidence and Prevalence of Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease in Queensland

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

According to a recent study published in the Medical Journal of Australia, a population-level retrospective cohort study used linked administrative data to determine the incidence and prevalence of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in Queensland from 2017 to 2021. The study found that 736 ARF episodes occurred among 670 people, with 54% being female participants and 83% being Indigenous. In terms of RHD, there were 4519 prevalent cases aged 45 and under, with 57% being Indigenous.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found a significant number of ARF episodes among young people in Queensland, with 736 incidents occurring among 670 individuals.
  • The majority of ARF cases were among Indigenous individuals, with 83% of participants identifying as Indigenous.
  • The prevalence of RHD cases was also high, with 4519 cases identified among individuals aged 45 and under.
  • Indigenous individuals made up 57% of RHD cases, highlighting a significant disparity in disease burden.
  • The study recommended further investigation to inform equitable responses to these diseases.
  • The research was funded by the A Prince Charles Hospital Foundation Common Good New Investigator Grant.
  • The study involved a large sample size, including participants from hospital, emergency department, death, and Queensland RHD Register records.

Statistics:

  • 736 ARF episodes occurred among 670 people in Queensland from 2017 to 2021.
  • 54% of ARF participants were female.
  • 83% of ARF participants were Indigenous.
  • 4519 RHD cases were identified among individuals aged 45 and under.
  • 57% of RHD cases were among Indigenous individuals.
  • The study covered a population of Queensland residents aged under 45 for ARF and under 55 for RHD.
  • The study used a retrospective cohort design involving linked administrative data.

Sources:

  • The Epidemiology of Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease In Queensland, 2017-2021: a Population-level Cohort Study Using Linked Administrative Data. Medical Journal of Australia, 2025.
  • NewsRx. Reports from University of Queensland Highlight Recent Findings in Rheumatic Heart Disease (The Epidemiology of Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease In Queensland, 2017-2021: a Population-level Cohort Study Using Linked ...). Cardiovascular Week. October 20, 2025; p 118.
  • A Prince Charles Hospital Foundation Common Good New Investigator Grant (funding source).

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