Infective endocarditis and dentistry

ABSTRACT

Infective endocarditis is the infection of endothelium of heart and vessels. It is an uncommon condition associated with substantial mortality and morbidity. It is a common belief that it could possibly be prevented by appropriate use of antibiotic prophylaxis. The objective of this review is to provide the background knowledge of infective endocarditis in terms of etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnostic strategies and preventive aspects. The extensive search of Medline from 1986 to January 2007 was performed. There were almost 100 articles which were relevant to the subject and were chosen to extract the possible information. There has been considerable controversy in the past as to what sort of dental procedures are to be blamed and which group of patients should receive prophylactic antibiotics. The guidelines have frequently been revised and two main guidelines namely of American Heart Association [AHA] and of British Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy [BSAC] are currently being practiced. For a dentist these guidelines are often confusing and cumbersome. This article is aimed at relieving the undue anxiety of a dentist when he comes across with a patient predisposed to infective endocarditis and to create a better understanding between dentist, patient and cardiologist