Prevention of endocarditis

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Prevention of endocarditis
7/11/06
US News.com

People with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are at increased risk for contracting endocarditis and should follow measures to prevent this infection.

Endocarditis is a dangerous infection of the lining of the inside of the four chambers or the valves of the heart. Certain bacteria and other microorganisms that occasionally circulate in the blood can settle and multiply on the heart valves of people with HCM. Although effective treatments are available, endocarditis can lead to permanent damage of the heart valves or even heart failure.

Endocarditis is diagnosed using a combination of blood culture and special echocardiogram. If a child or an adult with HCM has a fever that cannot be attributed to a specific infection like strep throat or an ear infection, endocarditis should be considered.

Treatment of endocarditis may require four to six weeks or more of intravenous antibiotics and may include surgery. Penicillin (amoxicillin/ampicillin) and gentamicin are the most commonly used antibiotics, but other antibiotics can be used as well. Although powerful antibiotics are available, treatment can be difficult and endocarditis can have serious complications. Therefore people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy should do all they can to minimize the risk of developing this infection.

To prevent endocarditis, people with HCM should take antibiotics prophylactically before medical procedures that may allow bacteria in the mouth, nose, or intestinal tract to get into the blood and circulating circulate to the heart. In some cases, the antibiotics will be administered intravenously and may include follow-up doses after the procedure. In other situations, the antibiotics are taken orally, one hour before the procedure. Detailed information on endocarditis treatment can be found on the American Hheart Association website.

It's important to note that most cases of endocarditis do not directly follow and are not caused by a dental procedure. More often, the endocarditis follows a minor gum injury or is caused by poor dental hygiene. Regular and comprehensive dental care is imperative for individuals with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Individuals can do several things daily to guard against an endocarditis infection.

* Use good oral hygiene.
* Routinely brush and floss teeth and gums, and get regular checkups.
* Careful management of cuts or lesions. Cuts or lesions should be cleaned thoroughly and watched for signs of infection. A physician should be contacted if a cut or lesion is not healing well or looks infected.
* Do not have your body tattooed and/or pierced.