Key result
Echocardiographic screening detects definite asymptomatic RHD in 26 per 1000 unaccompanied migrant minors.
Why the study?
Rheumatic heart disease persists in low- and middle-income countries and its burden among unaccompanied foreign minors in high-income countries is unclear.
Does ultrasound-based screening detect asymptomatic rheumatic heart disease in refugee/migrant children and youths in Italy?
Population
653 unaccompanied foreign minors aged 13-26 in Italy
Comparison
Ultrasound-based RHD screening with echocardiographic retesting for positives
Design
Cross-sectional mobile screening study
Authors
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May support targeted screening in migrant minors; leaves open whether detection improves outcomes in high-income settings.
Cross-Sectional (n=653)
Does ultrasound-based screening detect asymptomatic rheumatic heart disease in refugee/migrant children and youths in Italy?
Echocardiographic screening of unaccompanied migrant minors in Italy revealed a high prevalence of latent rheumatic heart disease comparable to endemic resource-poor settings, highlighting the need for targeted screening in this vulnerable population.
Condemi et al. (2019) conducted a cross-sectional in Asymptomatic rheumatic heart disease (n=653). Migrant/refugee status from RHD-endemic areas was evaluated on Prevalence of definite RHD (per 1000) (95% CI 16.2-41.5). Echocardiographic screening of unaccompanied migrant minors in Italy revealed a high burden of asymptomatic rheumatic heart disease, with a final prevalence of 26.0 per 1000 for definite RHD.
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