Rheumatic fever recurrences in New Zealand 2010-14.

Aim: To describe the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of recurrences of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) in New Zealand 2010-14.

Method: Retrospective hospital chart review for ARF with repeat hospital admissions from 2010-14, to identify recurrences of ARF. Definitions of recurrence as per NZ Heart Foundation Guidelines.

Mismatches between health service delivery and community expectations in the provision of secondary prophylaxis for rheumatic fever in New Zealand.

Objective: Rheumatic fever (RF) recurrence prevention requires secondary prophylaxis for at least ten years. However, recurrences of rheumatic fever (RRF) persist disproportionately affecting Māori and Pacific youth. Reasons for recurrence rates are not well understood and commonly attributed to patient non-adherence.