Is antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent infective endocarditis worthwhile?. Issue 1 (January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dayer, Mark; Thornhill, Martin
• Is Part Of: Journal of infection and chemotherapy. Volume 24:Issue 1(2018:Jan.)
• Page Start: 18
• Page End: 24
• Publication Date: 2018-01
• Subjects: Infective endocarditis -- Antibiotic prophylaxis -- Dental procedures; Chemotherapy -- Periodicals; Infection -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases -- Chemotherapy -- Periodicals; 615.5805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2017.10.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1341-321X

Abstract

Abstract: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare condition which is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Almost 100 years ago, the links between endocarditis and procedures, particularly dental procedures, were postulated. Over 50 years ago the first guidelines recommending antibiotic prophylaxis (AP), with the aim of preventing IE developing after procedures, were proposed. However, there has only ever been circumstantial evidence in humans that AP prevents IE. The rarity of IE has made a randomised controlled clinical trial impractical to date. This article outlines the history of AP and reviews the evidence base for the use of AP to prevent IE.