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Recurrent pericarditis, a condition affecting approximately 40,000 people in the United States, involves inflammation of the pericardium, the protective sac surrounding the heart. This condition can cause chest pain and, in some cases, lead to fluid buildup around the heart, which can severely impact a patient’s health and well-being.

To address this critical issue, the Myocarditis Foundation is proud to highlight an initiative aimed at enhancing care and outcomes for those suffering from recurrent pericarditis. This three-year initiative, supported by Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals and the American Heart Association, is designed to equip healthcare providers with the latest science and best practices to improve diagnosis and treatment. The initiative will also create patient-focused resources that educate and empower those affected by this often-overlooked condition.

The initiative focuses on three key areas:

• Closing gaps and addressing barriers in patient care.
• Educating healthcare professionals on the most current treatment strategies.
• Developing tailored educational resources to improve patients’ understanding and management of their condition.

Recurrent pericarditis often goes undiagnosed or is not adequately treated, which can significantly affect a patient’s emotional and physical health. By improving awareness and treatment methods, this initiative seeks to reduce the burden on patients and enhance their quality of life.

Partnering with Leading Hospitals Nationwide

As part of this effort, the initiative is partnering with 15 leading healthcare facilities across the U.S. These hospitals will serve as champions, implementing key activities and sharing best practices within a collaborative network of experts in pericarditis care. The participating sites include:

• Ascension Saint Thomas Heart, Nashville, TN
• Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, IL
• Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
• Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
• Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
• Mayo Clinic – Rochester, Rochester, MN
• My Cardiologist/CVAUSA, Miami, FL
• NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY
• Knight Cardiovascular Institute Cardiology Clinic, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
• Pacific Heart Institute, Santa Monica, CA
• The Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
• The Regents of the University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA
• University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
• University of Utah Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT
• University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA

These hospitals will be instrumental in improving the quality of care for patients through shared knowledge and resources. By working closely with healthcare professionals across the nation, the initiative will ensure that patients with recurrent pericarditis have access to expert care and the best possible outcomes.

Understanding Recurrent Pericarditis

Pericarditis can be a one-time acute episode or a recurring issue, with about 30% of individuals experiencing multiple episodes. Despite its prevalence, around 90% of cases have no known cause. Common treatments include anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin or NSAIDs, and for more severe cases, corticosteroids or interleukin-1 (IL-1) inhibitors may be used to manage symptoms and prevent recurrence.

The Myocarditis Foundation is committed to improving the lives of individuals impacted by heart conditions like recurrent pericarditis. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration with leading healthcare institutions, we aim to bring more attention to this condition and ensure patients receive the care they need.