Bacterial endocarditis

Endocarditis is defined at "Exudative and proliferative inflammatory alterations of the endocardium, characterized by the presence of vegetations on the surface of the endocardium or in the endocardium itself, and most commonly involving a heart valve, but sometimes affecting the inner lining of the cardiac chambers or the endocardium elsewhere. It may occur as a primary disorder or as a complication of or in association with another disease".

Prevention

According to clinical practice guidelines from the American Heart Association, the following patients are "Highest Risk of Adverse Outcome From Endocarditis for Which Prophylaxis With Dental Procedures Is Reasonable" if they are undergoing "dental procedures that involve manipulation of gingival tissue or the periapical region of teeth or perforation of the oral mucosa":

• "Prosthetic cardiac valve or prosthetic material used for cardiac valve repair"
• "Previous IE [infective endocarditis]"
• "Congenital heart disease (CHD)*"
  • "Unrepaired cyanotic CHD, including palliative shunts and conduits"
  • "Completely repaired congenital heart defect with prosthetic material or device, whether placed by surgery or by catheter intervention, during the first 6 months after the procedure"
  • "Repaired CHD with residual defects at the site or adjacent to the site of a prosthetic patch or prosthetic device (which inhibit endothelialization)"
• Cardiac transplantation recipients who develop cardiac valvulopathy