Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 7, 2026
07:50
An In Vitro Model of a Parallel-Plate Perfusion System to Study Bacterial Adherence to Graft Tissues
Published on: January 7, 2019
7.4K
Antibiotic Prophylaxis of Infective Endocarditis
Martin H Thornhill1,2, Mark Dayer3, Peter B Lockhart4
1Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Medicine and Surgery, University of Sheffield School of Clinical Dentistry, Claremont Crescent, Sheffield, S10 2TA, UK. m.thornhill@sheffield.ac.uk.
Current Infectious Disease Reports
|February 25, 2017
Summary
Antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) to prevent infective endocarditis (IE) is safe and likely cost-effective. Recent guideline changes, particularly in the UK, may have led to increased IE cases, suggesting continued adherence to current US and European guidelines is prudent.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- The link between invasive procedures and infective endocarditis (IE) has been recognized since the 1920s.
- Antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) was recommended for IE prevention but guidelines have been restricted due to weak evidence and risks like antibiotic resistance.
- UK guidelines controversially ceased AP for all procedures in 2008, with subsequent studies indicating a rise in IE cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and cost-effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) for infective endocarditis (IE) prevention.
- To assess the impact of guideline changes on IE incidence.
- To provide recommendations on AP use for IE prevention.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical recommendations and guideline changes in the USA, Europe, and the UK.
- Analysis of epidemiological studies investigating IE trends following guideline alterations.
- Assessment of the safety and cost-effectiveness of AP.
Main Results:
- Antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) for IE prevention is considered safe.
- AP is likely to be cost-effective.
- Epidemiological data suggests a potential increase in IE cases following the cessation of AP in the UK.
Conclusions:
- Continued adherence to current US and European guidelines for AP in IE prevention is recommended.
- Further data is needed to definitively assess the long-term impact of guideline changes.
- The safety and cost-effectiveness of AP support its judicious use in high-risk patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Endocarditis I: Introduction
640
Introduction:Endocarditis is the infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart and its valves. When the heart muscle is involved, the condition is termed myocarditis, while an infection of the outer lining is called pericarditis. Infective endocarditis (IE) primarily affects the endocardium, where pathogens adhere to the valves or lining, forming vegetation that can lead to severe complications. Infective endocarditis occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from other body...
640
01:18Endocarditis III: Medical Management
295
Infective endocarditis management involves a multifaceted approach encompassing infection prevention, lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapy, and surgical management.Infection Prevention:Hand Hygiene: Thorough handwashing is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed regularly, especially before and after using the restroom.Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential. It includes brushing teeth immediately after waking up and before bed, flossing...
295
01:29Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management
501
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a chronic infection of the heart's endocardium, primarily affecting the heart valves. A detailed nursing assessment for a patient with IE involves collecting subjective and objective data to ensure an accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.Subjective DataThe nurse gathers information about the patient's symptoms and complaints during the subjective assessment. Patients with infective endocarditis often report non-specific symptoms that can mimic other...
501
01:25Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
662
Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
662
01:14Myocarditis III: Medical Management
276
Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
276
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
4.5K
Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
4.5K