Infective endocarditis prophylaxis: moving from dental prophylaxis to global prevention?

Determinants of adherence to oral hygiene prophylaxis guidelines in patients with previous infective endocarditis

BACKGROUND

Infective endocarditis (IE) is characterized by low incidence but high mortality. Patients with a history of IE are at highest risk. Adherence to prophylaxis recommendations is poor. We sought to identify determinants of adherence to oral hygiene guidelines on IE prophylaxis in patients with a history of IE.

METHODS

Using data from the cross-sectional, single-centre POST-IMAGE study, we analysed demographic, medical and psychosocial factors. We defined patients as adherent to prophylaxis if they declared going to the dentist at least annually and brushing their teeth at least twice a day. Depression, cognitive status and quality of life were assessed using validated scales.

RESULTS

Of 100 patients enrolled, 98 completed the self-questionnaires. Among these, 40 (40.8%) were categorized as adherent to prophylaxis guidelines, and were less likely to be smokers (5.1% vs. 25.0%; P=0.02) or have symptoms of depression (36.6% vs. 70.8%; P<0.01) or cognitive decline (0% vs. 15.5%; P=0.05). Conversely, they had higher rates of: valvular surgery since the index IE episode (17.5% vs. 3.4%; P=0.04), searching for information on IE (61.1% vs. 46.3%, P=0.05), and considering themselves as adherent to IE prophylaxis (58.3% vs. 32.1%; P=0.03). Tooth brushing, dental visits and antibiotic prophylaxis were correctly identified as measures to prevent IE recurrence in 87.7%, 90.8% and 92.8% of patients, respectively, and did not differ according to adherence to oral hygiene guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-reported adherence to secondary oral hygiene guidelines on IE prophylaxis is low. Adherence is unrelated to most patient characteristics, but to depression and cognitive impairment. Poor adherence appears related more to a lack of implementation rather than insufficient knowledge. Assessment of depression may be considered in patients with IE.

Aspirin plus ticlopidine prevented experimental endocarditis due to Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus gallolyticus

Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus gallolyticus cause infective endocarditis (IE), which can originate from the continuous release or translocation of low bacterial numbers into the bloodstream. In this context, IE cannot be prevented with antibiotics. We previously demonstrated that aspirin plus ticlopidine protected rats from IE due to S. gordonii and Staphylococcus aureus. Here we showed that aspirin plus ticlopidine significantly reduced vegetation weight and protected 73 and 64% rats (P < 0.005) from IE due to E. faecalis and S. gallolyticus, respectively. These results further support the potential use of aspirin plus ticlopidine for a global prevention of IE in high-risk patients.

Infective endocarditis epidemiology and consequences of prophylaxis guidelines modifications: the dialectical evolution

Historically, infective endocarditis (IE) affected patients with predisposing cardiac conditions and community-acquired bacteremia. Over the past 30 years, significant changes have occurred, regarding microorganisms, underlying valvular heart diseases, portals of entry, and patients' comorbidities. Given these epidemiological changes and unproven prophylaxis efficacy, experts in most countries currently limit antibiotic indications to patients with high-risk cardiac conditions having oral procedures and, in the UK, recommend discontinuing their use altogether. To date, no epidemiological impact on streptococcal IE incidence has been observed. Policy must now address these epidemiological modifications, focus on community-acquired and health care-associated staphylococcal bacteremia prevention, and prompt the adoption of broader and nonexclusively antibiotic-based strategies.