UnknownNot Applicable

The Prevalence of Rheumatic Heart Disease in School Children in Fiji

2,000 participantsStarted 2008-02

Plain-language summary

This study is an epidemiological observational cross-sectional study designed to estimate the prevalence of echocardiographically confirmed RHD in school children from 5-14 years of age in Fiji. The study will be conducted in the Central Division of Fiji within a selection of up to16 primary schools located in the Korovou/Tailevu and Rewa/Nausori sub-divisions. School children will be enrolled after informed consent has been obtained. A standard cardiac examination (auscultation) will be performed as part of the routine annual health check by both school nurses, who have attended a training workshop, and by a paediatrician. All children with or without murmur will have a screening echocardiogram performed at a subsequent visit. Children found to have possible, probable or definite RHD or other cardiac pathology on the screening echocardiogram, will have a full echocardiogram performed by the echocardiography technician at the time of the second study visit. They will all also be referred to a paediatric cardiologist for further investigation and management and monitoring . Cases of RHD will be referred to and followed up by the National Fiji RHD register based at CWMH in Suva.

Who can participate

Age range

5 Years – 14 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Informed consent will be obtained for all participants * All children between the ages of 5-14 Years are eligible for the study. Exclusion Criteria: * None

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00779662

SponsorQueensland Institute of Medical Research

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2008-12

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Rheumatic Heart Disease trials