Developing cardiac surgery services to treat rheumatic heart disease in Ethiopia
Official title: The Clinical Influence of Developing a Sustainable Cardiac Surgery Service to Reduce the Burden of Rheumatic Heart Disease in Sub-Saharan Africa
Run by Helse Nord-Trøndelag HF · NCT04556188 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 14 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Helse Nord-Trøndelag HF Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Addis Ababa and 3 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 1, 2016 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2025 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 12, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT04556188 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are patients diagnosed with rheumatic heart disease who are undergoing cardiac surgery at Black Lion University Hospital.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are not willing or able to provide written informed consent will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Other studies have shown success in establishing cardiac surgery services in low-income countries, indicating potential for positive outcomes in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Black Lion University Hospital
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Recruiting -
Haukeland University Hospital
Bergen, Norway Recruiting -
Oslo University Hospital
Oslo, Norway Recruiting -
St. Olav University Hospital
Trondheim, Norway Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Haavard Dalen, MD, PhD
- Email: havard.dalen@ntnu.no
- Phone: 74098206
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.