Infective Endocarditis Prevention: antibiotic, dental procedures, prophylaxis, oral hygiene, wound care

Infective Endocarditis - How to prevent?

There are a number of ways to prevent or reduce your risk of getting infective endocarditis (IE).

1) Be attentive to signs and symptoms of IE

If you experience any of the common symptoms of IE such as a persistent fever, unexplained tiredness or any wounds that do not heal properly, please see your doctor immediately.

2) Practice good oral hygiene

Brush and floss your teeth regularly and do not let gum disease go untreated.

Dental Hygiene is important to prevent IE; please visit your dentist at least once a year.

3) Care for your wounds

If you have any cuts or grazes that show early signs of an infection, please wash them. If you begin to develop symptoms of a skin infection, please see your doctor immediately. Some of these symptoms include:

Inflammation of the affected area
Sore and warm skin
Discharge of pus or fluid
Fever
Chills and shivering

To avoid this, refrain from cosmetic procedures like piercings or tattoo that involve breaking the skin.

4) Prophylactic (preventive) antibiotics

Prophylaxis (taking preventive antibiotics) against IE is recommended for the following patients with:

Prosthetic cardiac valves, including transcateter implanted prostheses and homografts
Prosthetic material used for cardiac valve repair, such as annuloplasty rings and chords
Previous infective endocarditis
Unrepaired cyanotic congenital heart disease or repaired congenital heart disease, with residual shunts or valvular regurgitation at the site of or adjacent to the site of a prosthetic patch or prosthetic device.
Cardiac transplant with valve regurgitation due to a structurally abnormal valve.

There is no evidence for endocarditis prophylaxis in gastrointestinal or genitourinary procedures unless there is active infection.

Dental procedures for which endocarditis prophylaxis is recommended:

Any dental procedures that involve manipulation of gingival tissue, manipulation of the

periapical region of teeth, or perforation of the oral mucosa in patients.