Subacute bacterial endocarditis: considerations for the pediatric patient

Article Abstract:

Children who have had heart surgery may need to take antibiotics before any dental procedures. This is done to prevent bacterial endocarditis, which is a bacterial infection of the heart. Many children already take antibiotics for other conditions, such as otitis media, which is an ear infection. If the child is already taking an antibiotic, another type of antibiotic should be used for the dental procedure. It is important to weigh the child because the dosage is based on body weight. Many antibiotics are chewable tablets or can be dissolved in liquid.

---

Preventing bacterial endocarditis: a statement for the dental professional

Article Abstract:

A summary is presented from a portion of the American Heart Association's most recent review of treatment recommendations for bacterial endocarditis (a very serious infection of the heart). The portion that relates to dental practice is of special concern, because dental work often allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream (bacteremia). When the heart valves are already damaged, or if certain anatomic defects are present, endocarditis can result. Patients at risk include those with certain heart defects, and some dental procedures are more associated with endocarditis than others. Prophylactic measures are recommended for those at risk, ideally administered around the time of surgery so that blood antibiotic levels will be optimal. Dentists should evaluate the risk for bacteremia when planning procedures, and should follow-up patients for characteristic signs of this infection. Adequate trials of antibiotic agents to prevent endocarditis have not been carried out. At-risk patients should maintain oral hygiene scrupulously. Antibiotics should target alpha-hemolytic streptococci, the most common cause of endocarditis after dental work. Amoxicillin is often used, with erythromycin as an alternative for allergic patients. A description is provided of high-risk patients. Special concern should be extended to patients who take antibiotics for rheumatic fever (they may not be sufficient to fight endocarditis); take anticoagulant (anticlotting) drugs; have kidney dysfunction; will undergo cardiac surgery; or who have undergone cardiac surgery, including transplantation. Several charts are provided to summarize the recommendations. The entire text of the American Heart Association's formulations appears in the December 12, 1990 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

---

Prevention of bacterial endocarditis: recommendations by the American Heart Association

Article Abstract:

The American Heart Association in 1997 updated the recommendations for antibiotic use in certain patients to prevent bacterial endocarditis. Bacterial endocarditis is a serious bacterial infection of the heart valves and other parts of the heart. It can occur when bacteria enter the bloodstream, often from the mouth. For this reason, patients with certain heart conditions are at risk of bacterial endocarditis whenever they have certain dental procedures. However, the risk depends on the type of heart disease and the specific dental procedure. The dose of antibiotics has also been changed.

Cardiac patients

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection in 1996: recommendations of an international panel. Nelfinavir, efavirenz, or both after the failure of nucleoside treatment of HIV infection
• Abstracts: The dental unit waterline controversy: defusing the myths, defining the solution. Dental unit waterline antimicrobial agents' effect on dentin bond strength
• Abstracts: Problems With the Interpretation of Pharmacoeconomic Analyses: A Review of Submissions to the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
• Abstracts: Percentage of glycosylated serum ferritin remains low throughout the course of adult onset Still's disease. Pregnancy complicated by cerebral venous thrombosis in Behcet's disease
• Abstracts: Fluoride varnishes: a review of their clinical use, cariostatic mechanism, efficacy and safety. Evaluation of fluoride release from commercially available fluoride varnishes

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