Rheumatology Commons^™

Detection Of Subclinical Rheumatic Heart Disease In Children Using A Deep Learning Algorithm On Digital Stethoscope: A Study Protocol, Fatima Ali, Babar Hasan, Huzaifa Ahmad, Zahra Hoodbhoy, Zainab Bhuriwala, Muhammad Hanif, Shahab U. Ansari, Devyani Chowdhury

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Introduction: Rheumatic heart diseases (RHDs) contribute significant morbidity and mortality globally. To reduce the burden of RHD, timely initiation of secondary prophylaxis is important. The objectives of this study are to determine the frequency of subclinical RHD and to train a deep learning (DL) algorithm using waveform data from the digital auscultatory stethoscope (DAS) in predicting subclinical RHD.
Methods and analysis: We aim to recruit 1700 children from a group of schools serving the underprivileged over a 12-month period in Karachi (Pakistan). All consenting students within the age of 5-15 years with no underlying congenital heart disease will be eligible …

Pediatric Rheumatology In Africa: Thriving Amidst Challenges, Angela Migowa, Djohra Hadef, Wafa Hamdi, Oscar Mwizerwa, Madeleine Ngandeu, Yassmin Taha, Faleye Ayodele, Kate Webb, Christiaan Scott

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Background: Pediatric Rheumatology is an orphan specialty in Africa which is gradually gaining importance across the continent.

Main body: This commentary discusses the current state of affairs in the sphere of Pediatric Rheumatology across Africa and offers practical strategies to navigate the challenges encountered in research, models of care, education and training. We outline the establishment, opportunities of growth and achievements of the Pediatric Society of the African League Against Rheumatism (PAFLAR).

Conclusion: This commentary lays the foundation for establishment of a formidable framework and development of partnerships for the prosperity of Pediatric Rheumatology in Africa and beyond.

Need For Clinical Guidelines For Management Of Osteoporosis And Way Forward For Pakistan, Aysha Habib Khan, Manju Chandran

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

No abstract provided.

Association Of Vitamin D Deficiency And Disease Activity In Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients: Two-Year Follow-Up Study, Ainan Arshad, Saad Bin Zafar Mahmood, Ahmed Ayaz, Adil A. Manji, Akash Kumar Ahuja

Section of Internal Medicine

Objectives: This study aims to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Pakistani systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and the effect of vitamin D deficiency on the severity and outcomes of SLE.
Patients and methods: This retrospective study evaluated SLE patients presenting to our hospital between January 2009 and December 2018. A total of 98 patients (13 males, 85 females; mean age 39.8±14.9 years; range, 16 to 73 years) with vitamin D levels available at the time of diagnosis were included in the study. Disease activity was measured using SLE disease activity score at the time of diagnosis and …