Factors associated with the recommendation for endocarditis prophylaxis in mitral valve prolapse

Article Abstract:

The heart's mitral valve, a structure between the left atrium and left ventricle, functions to direct blood flow from the atrium to the ventricle during contraction of the heart. Mitral valve prolapse, MVP, is a condition in which the mitral valve bulges into the left atrium resulting in impaired blood flow, abnormal heart sounds, and other signs and symptoms including chest pain, fatigue and palpitations. Individuals with MVP are often prescribed antibiotics when they undergo certain procedures to prevent infection (prophylactic therapy) because they are considered to be at risk for endocarditis, inflammation of the membranes lining the heart valve. For example, a person with MVP takes penicillin or another antibiotic prior to and following dental examinations to prevent bacteria in the mouth from causing infectious endocarditis (IE). In this case, the antibiotic is considered to be endocarditis prophylaxis. Previous research suggests that individuals with MVP are five times more likely to develop IE. This study examined the factors that were associated with the use of endocarditis prophylaxis in 127 individuals with MVP who resided in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Prophylactic therapy was recommended three to four times more often in patients under 40 years compared to those more than 60 years. For every ten year increase in age, there was a 30 percent reduction in the recommendation for endocarditis prophylaxis. Results of echocardiography, the use of sound waves to visualize the heart, and physical examination were criteria supporting physicians' recommendations for treatment. However, the actual appearance of the prolapsed mitral valve did not influence the decision to use endocarditis prophylaxis. Further investigation is required to determine the risk factors for infectious endocarditis in individuals with MVP.

Prevention, Complications and side effects, Risk factors, Mitral valve prolapse, Endocarditis

---

Quantitative determinants of the outcome of asymptomatic mitral regurgitation

Article Abstract:

Effect on the outcome of quantifying mitral regurgitation was studied. The studies indicated that the clinical outcome of asymptomatic mitral regurgitation could be predicated by quantitative grading of mitral regurgitation.

United Kingdom, Care and treatment, Patient outcomes, Heart diseases, Mitral valve insufficiency

---

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Factors associated with pediatricians' participation in Medicaid in North Carolina. The rest of the access-to-care puzzle: addressing structural and personal barriers to health care for socially disadvantaged children
• Abstracts: Facts about leprosy. Voluntary action and the continuing task in leprosy. Eliminating leprosy - a winnable war
• Abstracts: Has the Hazard Communication Standard met its match. Cherry pickers and rent-a-tents. Congress passes a regulatory-reform sleeper
• Abstracts: Osteoarthrosis of the hip in women and its relation to physical load at work and in the home. Osteoarthritis of the knee and physical load from occupation
• Abstracts: Well-chosen passwords enhance security of records. Computer security doesn't have to be a practice nightmare. Medical mistakes: what your patients think

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.