Epidemiological study of pediatric rheumatic heart disease: An analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is the most common acquired heart disease among children in developing countries. However, there is a lack of systematic studies on the epidemiology of pediatric RHD. This study aimed to report the burden of pediatric RHD at global, regional, and national levels between 1990 and 2019, which may provide some reference for policymakers. Methods The numbers and age-standardized rates (ASRs) of incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for childhood RHD from 1990 to 2019 were analyzed based on data obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 (GBD 2019). In addition, Joinpoint regression analysis was used to assess temporal trends in the burden of childhood RHD. Results Globally, the number of incidence and prevalence cases of RHD in children increased by 41.89% and 40.88%, respectively, from 1990 to 2019. Age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) increased with an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of 0.75% and 0.66%, respectively. In contrast, the age-standardized DALY rate and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) decreased significantly since 1990 by an AAPC of −3.47% and − 2.65%, respectively. Girls had a significantly higher burden of RHD than boys during the study period. At the age level, the RHD burden was significantly highest in the age group of 10–14 years. Moreover, the ASRs of incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs were negatively associated with sociodemographic index (SDI). Nationally, Fiji had the most significant increase in incidence and prevalence, and Philippines had the most remarkable rise in DALYs and mortality rates. Conclusion From 1990 to 2019, although the incidence and prevalence of childhood RHD increased globally, DALYs and mortality rates markedly reduced. Countries with lower levels of sociodemographic development shoulder a higher burden of childhood RHD. Children aged 10–14 years are critical populations for whom targeted measures are needed to reduce the RHD burden, while attention to girls cannot be neglected.