Incidence of acute rheumatic fever in the world: a systematic review of population-based studies
- 1 December 2008
- Vol. 94 (12), 1534-1540
- https://doi.org/10.1136/hrt.2007.141309
Abstract
Background: There is no systematic overview of prospective studies of incidence of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) in the world. Aim: To summarise all population-based studies of the incidence of ARF world wide. Method: A systematic review of prospective population-based studies of the overall mean and annual specific incidence of the first episode of ARF was carried out. Results: A systematic literature search identified 10 eligible studies from 10 countries on all continents, except Africa. The overall mean incidence rate of first attack of ARF was 5–51/100 000 population (mean 19/100 000; 95% CI 9 to 30/100 000). A low incidence rate of ⩽10/100 000 per year was found in America and Western Europe, while a higher incidence (>10/100 000) was documented in Eastern Europe, Middle East (highest), Asia and Australasia. Studies with longitudinal data displayed a falling incidence rate over time. Conclusion: Despite an apparent fall in incidence over time, ARF incidence rates remain relatively high in non-Western countries. No information is available for Africa.Keywords
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