[Prophylaxis of bacterial endocarditis in children with congenital heart disease: current status of parents'

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Published on: March 10, 2020

M R Pérez-Piaya Moreno1, P de Diego Fernández, J M Chinchilla Molina

  • 1Unidad de Cardiología Pediátrica, Departamento de Pediatría, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada.

Anales Espanoles De Pediatria
|March 14, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Parents of children with congenital heart disease understand their child's condition but lack knowledge of bacterial endocarditis (EB) and its prophylaxis (PEB). Reinforcing PEB information is crucial for preventing EB complications.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Congenital heart disease (CHD) requires vigilant management to prevent complications.
  • Bacterial endocarditis (BE) is a serious infection that can affect children with CHD.
  • Prophylaxis for bacterial endocarditis (PBE) is essential in high-risk pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate parental knowledge regarding bacterial endocarditis (BE) and its prophylaxis (PBE) in children with congenital heart disease (CHD).

Main Methods:

  • A questionnaire assessed knowledge in 100 parents of children requiring PBE.
  • Data analyzed based on child's age, parental education, and history of septic foci.
  • Parental understanding of CHD, BE, and PBE practices was evaluated.

Main Results:

  • Parents demonstrated high awareness (85%) of their child's CHD but limited knowledge (14%) of BE.
  • Only 67.7% of children with a history of septic foci correctly received PBE.
  • Parental knowledge regarding BE and PBE correlated with their educational background.

Conclusions:

  • Healthcare providers must enhance education on BE prophylaxis for families of children with CHD.
  • Improved PBE knowledge can reduce morbidity and mortality associated with bacterial endocarditis.
  • Targeted educational interventions are needed to improve PBE adherence in at-risk children.
Abstract

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