Original algorithms for the detection of cardiovascular involvement of neglected tropical diseases

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) introduce considerable morbidity and mortality on a global scale, directly impacting over 1 billion individuals as well as their families and communities. Afflicted individuals may have limited access to resources and care in these regions, contributing to a high proportion of chronic, progressive, and systemic disease. The cardiovascular system is at particular risk of demise for several NTDs, yet remains largely unstudied due in part to the lack of robust data collection mechanisms in the most impacted regions.

Areas covered

The present review is a part of the Neglected Tropical Diseases and other Infectious Diseases affecting the Heart (NET-Heart) Project, aiming at summarizing the current knowledge on cardiovascular implications of NTDs and providing diagnostic as well as management recommendations which can be tailored to low-resource settings. The diagnostic and management algorithms of 13 unique NTDs are presented and summarized.

Expert opinion

Recognizing cardiac manifestations of NTDs can significantly alter disease trajectory and all physicians benefit from improved knowledge about NTDs. Great potential exists to advance patient care by improving data collection, communication, and international collaboration. 

KEYWORDS:

• Neglected tropical diseases
• infectious disease
• tropical medicine
• cardiology
• cardiovascular disease

Article highlights

• Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are expanding and present significant potential for global morbidity and mortality.

• Cardiac manifestations of NTDs, though not always the primary system involved, can contribute to worsened prognosis, so early detection and management is prudent.

• Each NTD has its own unique algorithm for diagnosis and management of cardiac involvement that can alter the disease course.

• Individuals affected by NTDs are often located in communities with restricted access to high-quality health care and any recommendations made must consider the practical realities of implementation.

• Improved data collection, communication, and international collaboration are critical to advance patient care in NTDs.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or material discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or mending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosure

A peer reviewer on this manuscript has received honoraria for their review work. Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.