Diagnosis

• Risk of developing infective endocarditis: acquired valvular heart disease, valve replacement, structural heart disease, previous infective endocarditis, HOCM

Investigation

• n/a

Management

• Advice on the benefits and risks of prophylactic antibiotics
• Importance of good oral health
• Avoid non medical procedures i.e. tattooing
• Antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended for dental procedures, and for those undergoing procedures at the following sites: upper and lower GI tract, upper and lower respiratory tract, genito-urinary tract
• If undergoing anti-microbial treatment, agents should cover organisms that cause endocarditis, and infection should be investigated and promptly managed

NICE Source: CG64 Prophylaxis against infective endocarditis: antimicrobial prophylaxis against infective endocarditis in adults and children undergoing interventional procedures. Summary compiled by Dr D P Sheppard MBBS.