Revisiting QT prolongation in acute rheumatic fever - Relevance for hydroxychloroquine treatment.

In-vitro evidence suggests hydroxychloroquine could be a potential immunomodulator for the inflammatory carditis of acute rheumatic fever (ARF). Hydroxychloroquine used as an anti-inflammatory agent has a low side effect profile but its use in the Covid-19 pandemic raised concerns about QTc interval prolongation and cardiac arrhythmias. The prolongation of QTc in ARF appears benign but has not been widely studied.

Feasibility study assessing equitable delivery of newborn pulse oximetry screening in New Zealand's midwifery-led maternity setting.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to conduct New Zealand-specific research to inform the design of a pulse oximetry screening strategy that ensures equity of access for the New Zealand maternity population. Equity is an important consideration as the test has the potential to benefit some populations and socioeconomic groups more than others.

Setting: New Zealand has an ethnically diverse population and a midwifery-led maternity service.

Beyond first-degree heart block in the diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever.

Objectives: First-degree heart block is a minor manifestation of acute rheumatic fever. Second and third degree heart block and junctional rhythms occur less commonly. We report patients presenting with these latter three electrocardiographic abnormalities and investigate their diagnostic utility.