UK (CU)_ In one of the largest studies exploring the link between the Infective endocarditis and dental procedures, researchers have seen results indicating antibiotic use prior to the procedures can significantly reduce the likelihood of patients developing Infective endocarditis. The study was conducted by University of Sheffield and published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, where the lead researcher was Professor Martin Thornhill of the University’s School of Clinical Dentistry.
Infective endocarditis usually occurs when a bacteria or fungi that enters the bloodstream brings about inflammation in the heart and a variety of factors can cause it. Contaminated needle uses particularly in drug use, sexually transmitted diseases, poor oral hygiene together with gum disease and certain surgical procedures including dental procedure can increase the risk of Infective endocarditis. The study has recommended prophylactic antibiotic use (antibiotic use as a preventive measure) for high-risk individuals who have artificial heart valves, congenital heart conditions or prior incidents of Infective endocarditis.
Researchers at Sheffield are urging the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) a UK organization dedicated to providing guidance for health and social care to reconsider the guidelines for high-risk patients to be administered antibiotics before invasive dental procedures.
The study focused on medical histories of approximately 8 million people across the USA over 16 months. This included 36,773 individuals at high-risk for Infective endocarditis and examined if they had a history of invasive dental treatment which resulted in Infective endocarditis within 30 days and their antibiotic use.
The results indicated 3,774 of the participants ended up with Infective endocarditis within 30 days of dental procedures and the risk of developing the condition was 160 times increased in those at high risk for Infective endocarditis than in the general low-risk population. The study was conducted with data from IBM Health and funded by Delta Dental of Michigan and Renaissance Health Service Corporation in the US.
