Revised AHA Guidelines for Prevention of Infective Endocarditis

The 2007 guidelines reflect questions about the effectiveness of antimicrobial prophylaxis for IE associated with dental, GI, or GU tract procedures.

Sponsoring Organizations: American Heart Association, American Dental Association, Infectious Diseases Society of America, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society

Background and Purpose: Morbidity and mortality associated with infective endocarditis (IE) remain high despite great advances in medicine and surgery. Prevention of IE has therefore been a priority for the American Heart Association for more than 50 years. The 2007 document updates the AHA’s guidelines, last revised in 1997. The key rationale for the current revision is to address the persistent question of whether antimicrobial prophylaxis effectively prevents IE associated with dental, gastrointestinal, or genitourinary (GU) tract procedures.

Key Points:

1. Prophylactic antibiotics …

Reviewing Author

Harlan M. Krumholz, MD, SM

Revised AHA Guidelines for Prevention of Infective Endocarditis

Topics

Key Points:

Reviewing Author