Reducing antibiotic prophylaxis: impact on endocarditis incidence.

Antibiotic prophylaxis before dental procedures has been the gold standard in preventing infective endocarditis, despite the lack of supporting evidence. In 2008, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence in the UK recommended the cessation of antibiotic prophylaxis before dental procedures and other invasive procedures. 

Prescription rates were drastically reduced after 2008 recommendation and, as a consequence, infective endocarditis rates increased significantly both in high and moderate risk groups.

Conclusion

Since the new guidelines on prophylaxis cessation were adopted in 2008, a significant increase in infective endocarditis was observed. Further studies are needed to reconsider the strategies currently in place. 

Original Title: The Incidence of Infective Endocarditis in England is Increasing – An Assessment of the Impact of Cessation of Antibiotic Prophylaxis Using Population Statistics.