Change in infective endocarditis prevention guidance announced
It is recommended that antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) be given to all high-risk patients undergoing extractions and oral surgery procedures
Significant changes to the advice given to dentists concerning the prevention of infective endocarditis (IE) have been outlined.
They are the result of recent changes to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, combined with an update to the implementation advice from the Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP).
In contrast to a previous NICE recommendation against the use of antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) for IE prevention, dentists are now recommended to offer AP to all individuals at high-risk of IE before extractions or oral surgery procedures. Also, they should consider AP for high-risk individuals undergoing any other at-risk dental procedures that involve manipulation of the gingival or periapical region of the teeth.
Most UK cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons and infectious disease specialists (alongside many National Health Service trusts, several of which incorporate dental schools and hospitals) follow the European Society for Cardiology (ESC) guidelines.
The authors of an article in the British Dental Journal said: “Awareness of the changes made by NICE and SDCEP, and the similarities and differences between their updated recommendations and the ESC guidelines, is therefore essential.”