Infective endocarditis and antibiotic prophylaxis: Is there an association?
A recent study published in The Lancet noted an increase in the occurrence of infective endocarditis that appears to correspond with a decrease in antibiotic prophylaxis for IE prevention.
In March 2008 the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommended a halt of antibiotic prophylaxis for IE prevention.
The Lancet article reports: "Although our data do not establish a causal association, prescriptions of antibiotic prophylaxis have fallen substantially and the incidence of infective endocarditis has increased in England since introduction of the 2008 NICE guidelines."
Dr. Thomas Sollecito, a member of the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs, said: "It is recommended that dentists continue to adhere to the 2007 guidelines from the American Heart Association, the most recent available. These guidelines provide appropriate information about when antibiotics are indicated as well as type and dosage."
Dr. Edmond Truelove, former chair of the Council on Scientific Affairs, cautioned dentists to adhere to the AHA recommendations on antibiotic prophylaxis and endocarditis as well: "The guidelines [in the U.S.] are different and recommend prophylaxis for high-risk groups. … Therefore applying The Lancet findings to the U.S. population may not be prudent."
Read more from The Lancet here.
ADDITIONAL READING …
How effective are locally delivered antibiotics?
The role of antibiotics in periodontal diseases
