Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains the leading cause of cardiac-related deaths and disability in children and young adults worldwide. In The Gambia, the RHD burden is thought to be high although no data are available and no control programme is yet implemented. We conducted a pilot study to generate baseline data on the clinical and valvular characteristics of RHD patients at first presentation, adherence to penicillin prophylaxis and the evolution of lesions over time. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2021
• October 2021

Benzathine penicillin G is an important antibiotic for the treatment and prevention of group A streptococcal infections associated with rheumatic fever and... ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2013
• September 2013

Regular intramuscular (i.m.) benzathine penicillin G (BPG) injections have been the cornerstone of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) secondary prophylaxis since the 1950s. Patient adherence to IM BPG is poor, largely due to pain, the need for regular injections every 3-4 weeks and health sector delivery challenges in resource-limited settings. There is an urgent need for new approaches for secondary prophylaxis, such as an implant which could provide sustained penicillin concentrations for more than 6 months. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2023
• Jun 2023

Our local data supports continuing intramuscular injection of BPG in patients with rheumatic heart disease receiving anticoagulant medication ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2020
• July 2020

A direct oral provocation challenge with the culprit drug in Australian children can be safely performed, avoiding resource-intensive and painful skin testing ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2019
• April 2019

Secondary prophylaxis to prevent rheumatic heart disease (RHD) progression, in the form of four-weekly intramuscular benzathine benzylpenicillin G (BPG) injections, has remained unchanged since 1955. Qualitative investigations into patient preference have highlighted the need for long-acting penicillins to be delivered less frequently, ideally with reduced pain. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2023
• April 2023

The current prophylactic treatment to prevent rheumatic heart disease requires four-weekly intramuscular injection of a suspension of the poorly soluble benzathine salt form of penicillin G (BPG) often for more than 10 years. In seeking to reduce the frequency of administration to improve adherence, biodegradable polymer matrices have been investigated. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2018
• June 2018

Acute rheumatic fever (ARF), an autoimmune reaction to Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes; Strep A) infection, can cause rheumatic heart disease (RHD). New formulations of long-acting penicillins are being developed for secondary prophylaxis of ARF and RHD. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2022
• June 2022

Jonathan Carapetis AM JR AM MBBS FRACP FAFPHM PhD FAHMS Executive Director; Head, Strep A Translation; Co-Founder of REACH 08 6319 1000 contact@ ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Projects

Jonathan Carapetis AM JR AM MBBS FRACP FAFPHM PhD FAHMS Executive Director; Head, Strep A Translation; Co-Founder of REACH 08 6319 1000 contact@ ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Projects