Developing cardiac surgery services to treat rheumatic heart disease in Ethiopia

The Clinical Influence of Developing a Sustainable Cardiac Surgery Service to Reduce the Burden of Rheumatic Heart Disease in Sub-Saharan Africa

Observational Helse Nord-Trøndelag HF · NCT04556188

This study is trying to set up a heart surgery service in Ethiopia to help people with rheumatic heart disease and see how well the surgery works compared to those who can’t get it.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages14 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHelse Nord-Trøndelag HF Academic / other
Locations4 sites (Addis Ababa and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04556188 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to establish a sustainable cardiac surgery service in Ethiopia to address the burden of rheumatic heart disease (RHD). It evaluates the short and long-term outcomes of cardiac surgery for RHD patients compared to those who do not receive surgery due to limited availability. Additionally, the study assesses the quality of anticoagulation therapy post-surgery, focusing on complications and therapeutic INR levels. The research involves a bi-directional program of education, training, and research activities at Black Lion Hospital in Addis Ababa.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients diagnosed with rheumatic heart disease who are undergoing cardiac surgery at Black Lion University Hospital.

Not a fit: Patients who are not willing or able to provide written informed consent will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this initiative could significantly improve surgical outcomes and quality of life for patients with rheumatic heart disease in low-income settings.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in establishing cardiac surgery services in low-income countries, indicating potential for positive outcomes in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Cardiac surgery due to rheumatic heart disease at the governmental Black Lion University Hospital during the bi-directional programme of education, training and Research to establish Cardiac surgery service

Exclusion Criteria:

* Not willing or able to provide written informed consent

Where this trial is running

Addis Ababa and 3 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Rheumatic Heart DiseaseAnticoagulant Adverse Reaction
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.