Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is influenced by genetic factor, microorganism's virulence, and environmental factor. The aim of this study was to determine human leukocyte (HLA)-DRB1 allele among children with RHD in Medan, Indonesia. Methods An observational study was conducted at the Department of Child Health, Haji Adam Malik Hospital Medan from April to June 2017. Inclusion criteria were children aged 5-18 years diagnosed with RHD. Children with concomitant congenital heart disease were excluded. HLA-DRB1 alleles were analyzed using the PCR sequence-specific priming (SSP) technique. Statistical analysis was done using computer software. Results A total of 62 children were enrolled. The mean age of children was 12.6 (SD 3.44) years; 33 (53.2%) were male. The most dominant allele was HLA-DRB1*12, followed by HLADRB1*15. Conclusion It is proven in this research that RHD is influenced by genetic factor with HLA-DRB1*12 allele found to be the most common allele in children with RHD in Medan, Indonesia.
Keywords: RHD; cardiology; human leukocyte antigen; paediatric.
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