Impact of the NICE guideline recommending cessation of antibiotic prophylaxis for prevention of infective endocarditis: before and after study

Is topical antibiotic use necessary to prevent surgical site infection following oculoplastic surgery?

PURPOSE

To assess whether oculoplastic surgeries can be performed without any topical and systemic antibiotics, in a "100% antibiotic free" fashion.

METHOD

We conducted a multicenter retrospective study between November 2017 and December 2022. Patients who underwent an oculoplastic procedure were screened. Patients who received preoperative or postoperative systemic antibiotics were excluded. Intraoperative IV antibiotics were allowed. Patients were divided into two groups: those who were treated with local antibiotics ointments (LATB group) and those who were treated without local antibiotics ointments (LATB free group) postoperatively. The primary outcome was the incidence of surgical site infections (SSI). The relationship between the use of local antibiotics and the occurrence of SSI was assessed using Fisher's exact test. The alpha risk was set to 5% and two-tailed tests were used.

RESULTS

Among the 947 procedures included, 617 were included in the LATB group and 330 in the LATB free group. 853 and 80 procedures were classified Altemeier class 1 (clean) and class 2 (clean-contaminated) surgeries, respectively. Overall, 310 (32.73%) procedures were performed without any systemic nor topical antibiotics (100% antibiotic free fashion). SSI occured in four (4/617; 0.65%) and five (5/330; 1.52%) procedures in the LATB and LATB free group respectively, without any statistical difference between the groups (p = 0.290). A subgroup analysis was carried out by excluding the procedures performed under prophylactic intraoperative intravenous antibiotics and did not reveal any statistical difference between the two groups (p = 0.144). All SSI patients were treated with systemic antibiotics with favorable outcomes. Postoperative wound dehiscence was the only risk factor associated with postoperative SSI (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that performing a "100% antibiotic free" oculoplastic surgery without systemic and topical antibiotics is reasonable in Altemeier class 1 and class 2 procedures.

Endocarditis, invasive dental procedures, and antibiotic prophylaxis efficacy in US Medicaid patients

OBJECTIVE

Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended before invasive dental procedures to prevent endocarditis in those at high risk, but supporting data are sparse. We therefore investigated any association between invasive dental procedures and endocarditis, and any antibiotic prophylaxis effect on endocarditis incidence.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Cohort and case-crossover studies were performed on 1,678,190 Medicaid patients with linked medical, dental, and prescription data.

RESULTS

The cohort study identified increased endocarditis incidence within 30 days of invasive dental procedures in those at high risk, particularly after extractions (OR 14.17, 95% CI 5.40-52.11, p < 0.0001) or oral surgery (OR 29.98, 95% CI 9.62-119.34, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, antibiotic prophylaxis significantly reduced endocarditis incidence following invasive dental procedures (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.06-0.53, p < 0.0001). Case-crossover analysis confirmed the association between invasive dental procedures and endocarditis in those at high risk, particularly following extractions (OR 3.74, 95% CI 2.65-5.27, p < 0.005) and oral surgery (OR 10.66, 95% CI 5.18-21.92, p < 0.0001). The number of invasive procedures, extractions, or surgical procedures needing antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent one endocarditis case was 244, 143 and 71, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Invasive dental procedures (particularly extractions and oral surgery) were significantly associated with endocarditis in high-risk individuals, but AP significantly reduced endocarditis incidence following these procedures, thereby supporting current guideline recommendations.

Infective Endocarditis among Pediatric Patients with Prosthetic Valves and Cardiac Devices: A Review and Update of Recent Emerging Diagnostic and Management Strategies

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a disease of the endocardium, which leads to the appearance of vegetation on the valves, cardiac structures, or, potentially, vascular endothelium of the heart. The risk of IE can be increased more than 140 times by congenital heart disease (50-59% of all IE), particularly if cyanotic. An increase in mortality may result from IE in patients with a complex cardiac pathology or patients with an implanted prosthetic material, most frequently conduits in a pulmonary position. Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) infective endocarditis is a life-threatening complication representing 10% of all cases of endocarditis. Common signs of presentation are often fever and chills; redness and swelling at the pocket of the pacemaker, including the erosion and exteriorization of the device; and life-threatening sepsis. The use of intracardiac echocardiography for the diagnosis of IE is an innovative method. This may be needed, especially in older children undergoing complex cardiac surgery, when transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TOE) failed to provide a reliable diagnosis. The 2018 European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) experts' consensus statement on transvenous lead extraction recommends complete device removal and antimicrobial therapy for any device-related infection, including CIED-IE. The most detected microorganism was Staphylococcus Aureus. In addition, cardiac surgery and interventional cardiology associated with the placement of prostheses or conduits may increase the risk of IE up to 1.6% for Melody valve implantation. Our manuscript presents a comprehensive review of infective endocarditis associated with cardiac devices and prostheses in the pediatric population, including recent advances in diagnosis and management.

A prospective cluster trial to increase antibiotic prescription quality in seven non-ICU wards

Aim

To evaluate general shortcomings and faculty-specific pitfalls as well as to improve antibiotic prescription quality (ABQ) in non-ICU wards, we performed a prospective cluster trial.

Methods

An infectious-disease (ID) consulting service performed a prospective investigation consisting of three 12-week phases with point prevalence evaluation conducted once per week (=36 evaluations in total) at seven non-ICU wards, followed by assessment of sustainability (weeks 37-48). Baseline evaluation (phase 1) defined multifaceted interventions by identifying the main shortcomings. Then, to distinguish intervention from time effects, the interventions were performed in four wards, and the 3 remaining wards served as controls; after assessing effects (phase 2), the same interventions were performed in the remaining wards to test the generalizability of the interventions (phase 3). The prolonged responses after all interventions were then analyzed in phase 4. ABQ was evaluated by at least two ID specialists who assessed the indication for therapy, the adherence to the hospital guidelines for empirical therapy, and the overall antibiotic prescription quality.

Results

In phase 1, 406 of 659 (62%) patients cases were adequately treated with antibiotics; the main reason for inappropriate prescription was the lack of an indication (107/253; 42%). The antibiotic prescription quality (ABQ) significantly increased, reaching 86% in all wards after the focused interventions (502/584; nDf=3, ddf=1,697, F=6.9, p=0.0001). In phase 2 the effect was only seen in wards that already participated in interventions (248/347; 71%). No improvement was seen in wards that received interventions only after phase 2 (189/295; 64%). A given indication significantly increased from about 80% to more than 90% (p<.0001). No carryover effects were observed.

Discussion

ABQ can be improved significantly by intervention bundles with apparent sustainable effects.

Antibiotic prophylaxis before dental procedures to prevent infective endocarditis: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a severe bacterial infection. As a measure of prevention, the administration of antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) prior to dental procedures was recommended in the past. However, between 2007 and 2009, guidelines for IE prophylaxis changed all around the word, limiting or supporting the complete cessation of AP. It remains unclear whether AP is effective or not against IE.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review whether the administration of AP in adults before any dental procedure, compared to the non-administration of such drugs, has an effect on the risk of developing IE. We searched for studies in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE via OVID, and EMBASE. Two different authors filtered articles independently and data extraction was performed based on a pre-defined protocol.

RESULTS

The only cohort study meeting our criteria included patients at high-risk of IE. Analysis of the extracted data showed a non-significant decrease in the risk of IE when high-risk patients take AP prior to invasive dental procedures (RR 0.39, p-value 0.11). We did not find other studies including patients at low or moderate risk of IE. Qualitative evaluation of the excluded articles reveals diversity of results and suggests that most of the state-of-the-art articles are underpowered.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence to support or discourage the use of AP prior to dental procedures as a prevention for IE is very low. New high-quality studies are needed, even though such studies would require big settings and might not be immediately feasible.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Infective Endocarditis: A Survey of Practice Among Pediatric Cardiology Providers

The 2007 American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines limited antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) for infective endocarditis (IE) to fewer patients with predisposing cardiac conditions (PCC). We surveyed the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery (AAP SOCCS) on their recommendations for AP for a number of PCC and procedures. We report on those 173 respondents who follow the 2007 AHA guidelines. AP rates for high-risk PCCs clearly meeting AHA criteria ranged from 70.5-89.8%. Conversely, for PCCs which did not meet AHA criteria, prescribing rates varied from &lt;1% to 29.5%. PCC for which AP indication was unclear per guidelines, AP rates similarly varied from 9.9-39.8%. Similar variability is noted in AP for various procedures in setting of high-risk PCC. There is variability in AP prescribing practices among pediatric cardiologists based on both underlying PCC and noncardiac procedures in the setting of underlying cardiac disease.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis Against Infective Endocarditis Before Invasive Dental Procedures

BACKGROUND

Antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) before invasive dental procedures (IDPs) is recommended to prevent infective endocarditis (IE) in those at high IE risk, but there are sparse data supporting a link between IDPs and IE or AP efficacy in IE prevention.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to investigate any association between IDPs and IE, and the effectiveness of AP in reducing this.

METHODS

We performed a case-crossover analysis and cohort study of the association between IDPs and IE, and AP efficacy, in 7,951,972 U.S. subjects with employer-provided Commercial/Medicare-Supplemental coverage.

RESULTS

Time course studies showed that IE was most likely to occur within 4 weeks of an IDP. For those at high IE risk, case-crossover analysis demonstrated a significant temporal association between IE and IDPs in the preceding 4 weeks (OR: 2.00; 95% CI: 1.59-2.52; P = 0.002). This relationship was strongest for dental extractions (OR: 11.08; 95% CI: 7.34-16.74; P < 0.0001) and oral-surgical procedures (OR: 50.77; 95% CI: 20.79-123.98; P < 0.0001). AP was associated with a significant reduction in IE incidence following IDP (OR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.29-0.85; P = 0.01). The cohort study confirmed the associations between IE and extractions or oral surgical procedures in those at high IE risk and the effect of AP in reducing these associations (extractions: OR: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.03-0.34; P < 0.0001; oral surgical procedures: OR: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.01-0.35; P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated a significant temporal association between IDPs (particularly extractions and oral-surgical procedures) and subsequent IE in high-IE-risk individuals, and a significant association between AP use and reduced IE incidence following these procedures. These data support the American Heart Association, and other, recommendations that those at high IE risk should receive AP before IDP.

Infective endocarditis following invasive dental procedures: IDEA case-crossover study

BACKGROUND

Infective endocarditis is a heart infection with a first-year mortality rate of ≈ 30%. It has long been thought that infective endocarditis is causally associated with bloodstream seeding with oral bacteria in ≈ 40-45% of cases. This theorem led guideline committees to recommend that individuals at increased risk of infective endocarditis should receive antibiotic prophylaxis before undergoing invasive dental procedures. However, to the best of our knowledge, there has never been a clinical trial to prove the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis and there is no good-quality evidence to link invasive dental procedures with infective endocarditis. Many contend that oral bacteria-related infective endocarditis is more likely to result from daily activities (e.g. tooth brushing, flossing and chewing), particularly in those with poor oral hygiene.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine if there is a temporal association between invasive dental procedures and subsequent infective endocarditis, particularly in those at high risk of infective endocarditis.

DESIGN

This was a self-controlled, case-crossover design study comparing the number of invasive dental procedures in the 3 months immediately before an infective endocarditis-related hospital admission with that in the preceding 12-month control period.

SETTING

The study took place in the English NHS.

PARTICIPANTS

All individuals admitted to hospital with infective endocarditis between 1 April 2010 and 31 March 2016 were eligible to participate.

INTERVENTIONS

This was an observational study; therefore, there was no intervention.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The outcome measure was the number of invasive and non-invasive dental procedures in the months before infective endocarditis-related hospital admission.

DATA SOURCES

NHS Digital provided infective endocarditis-related hospital admissions data and dental procedure data were obtained from the NHS Business Services Authority.

RESULTS

The incidence rate of invasive dental procedures decreased in the 3 months before infective endocarditis-related hospital admission (incidence rate ratio 1.34, 95% confidence interval 1.13 to 1.58). Further analysis showed that this was due to loss of dental procedure data in the 2-3 weeks before any infective endocarditis-related hospital admission.

LIMITATIONS

We found that urgent hospital admissions were a common cause of incomplete courses of dental treatment and, because there is no requirement to record dental procedure data for incomplete courses, this resulted in a significant loss of dental procedure data in the 2-3 weeks before infective endocarditis-related hospital admissions. The data set was also reduced because of the NHS Business Services Authority's 10-year data destruction policy, reducing the power of the study. The main consequence was a loss of dental procedure data in the critical 3-month case period of the case-crossover analysis (immediately before infective endocarditis-related hospital admission), which did not occur in earlier control periods. Part of the decline in the rate of invasive dental procedures may also be the result of the onset of illness prior to infective endocarditis-related hospital admission, and part may be due to other undefined causes.

CONCLUSIONS

The loss of dental procedure data in the critical case period immediately before infective endocarditis-related hospital admission makes interpretation of the data difficult and raises uncertainty over any conclusions that can be drawn from this study.

FUTURE WORK

We suggest repeating this study elsewhere using data that are unafflicted by loss of dental procedure data in the critical case period.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial is registered as ISRCTN11684416.

FUNDING

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 26, No. 28. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Antibiotic prophylaxis for preventing bacterial endocarditis following dental procedures

BACKGROUND

Infective endocarditis is a severe infection arising in the lining of the chambers of the heart. It can be caused by fungi, but most often is caused by bacteria. Many dental procedures cause bacteraemia, which could lead to bacterial endocarditis in a small proportion of people. The incidence of bacterial endocarditis is low, but it has a high mortality rate.  Guidelines in many countries have recommended that antibiotics be administered to people at high risk of endocarditis prior to invasive dental procedures. However, guidance by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in England and Wales states that antibiotic prophylaxis against infective endocarditis is not recommended routinely for people undergoing dental procedures. This is an update of a review that we first conducted in 2004 and last updated in 2013.

OBJECTIVES

Primary objective To determine whether prophylactic antibiotic administration, compared to no antibiotic administration or placebo, before invasive dental procedures in people at risk or at high risk of bacterial endocarditis, influences mortality, serious illness or the incidence of endocarditis. Secondary objectives To determine whether the effect of dental antibiotic prophylaxis differs in people with different cardiac conditions predisposing them to increased risk of endocarditis, and in people undergoing different high risk dental procedures. Harms Had we foundno evidence from randomised controlled trials or cohort studies on whether prophylactic antibiotics affected mortality or serious illness, and we had found evidence from these or case-control studies suggesting that prophylaxis with antibiotics reduced the incidence of endocarditis, then we would also have assessed whether the harms of prophylaxis with single antibiotic doses, such as with penicillin (amoxicillin 2 g or 3 g) before invasive dental procedures, compared with no antibiotic or placebo, equalled the benefits in prevention of endocarditis in people at high risk of this disease.

SEARCH METHODS

An information specialist searched four bibliographic databases up to 10 May 2021 and used additional search methods to identify published, unpublished and ongoing studies SELECTION CRITERIA: Due to the low incidence of bacterial endocarditis, we anticipated that few if any trials would be located. For this reason, we included cohort and case-control studies with suitably matched control or comparison groups. The intervention was antibiotic prophylaxis, compared to no antibiotic prophylaxis or placebo, before a dental procedure in people with an increased risk of bacterial endocarditis. Cohort studies would need to follow at-risk individuals and assess outcomes following any invasive dental procedures, grouping participants according to whether or not they had received prophylaxis. Case-control studies would need to match people who had developed endocarditis after undergoing an invasive dental procedure (and who were known to be at increased risk before undergoing the procedure) with those at similar risk who had not developed endocarditis.  Our outcomes of interest were mortality or serious adverse events requiring hospital admission; development of endocarditis following any dental procedure in a defined time period; development of endocarditis due to other non-dental causes; any recorded adverse effects of the antibiotics; and the cost of antibiotic provision compared to that of caring for patients who developed endocarditis.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened search records, selected studies for inclusion, assessed the risk of bias in the included study and extracted data from the included study. As an author team, we judged the certainty of the evidence identified for the main comparison and key outcomes using GRADE criteria. We presented the main results in a summary of findings table.

MAIN RESULTS

Our new search did not find any new studies for inclusion since the last version of the review in 2013. No randomised controlled trials (RCTs), controlled clinical trials (CCTs) or cohort studies were included in the previous versions of the review, but one case-control study met the inclusion criteria. The trial authors collected information on 48 people who had contracted bacterial endocarditis over a specific two-year period and had undergone a medical or dental procedure with an indication for prophylaxis within the past 180 days. These people were matched to a similar group of people who had not contracted bacterial endocarditis. All study participants had undergone an invasive medical or dental procedure. The two groups were compared to establish whether those who had received preventive antibiotics (penicillin) were less likely to have developed endocarditis. The authors found no significant effect of penicillin prophylaxis on the incidence of endocarditis. No data on other outcomes were reported. The level of certainty we have about the evidence is very low.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There remains no clear evidence about whether antibiotic prophylaxis is effective or ineffective against bacterial endocarditis in at-risk people who are about to undergo an invasive dental procedure. We cannot determine whether the potential harms and costs of antibiotic administration outweigh any beneficial effect. Ethically, practitioners should discuss the potential benefits and harms of antibiotic prophylaxis with their patients before a decision is made about administration.

Impact of the 2009 ESC Guideline Change on Surgically Treated Infective Endocarditis

BACKGROUND

In 2009, updated European Society of Cardiology guidelines on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infective endocarditis (IE) were released and restricted the use of antibiotic prophylaxis to high-risk patients only. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of the restrictive antibiotic regimen on the incidence and manifestations of surgically treated IE before and after the guideline change.

METHODS

This study retrospectively analyzed data of 4917 patients who underwent valve surgical procedures for IE between 1994 and 2018 in 6 German cardiac surgery centers. Potential risk factors for 30-day mortality were assessed using logistic regression. Interrupted time series regression was used to evaluate the effect of the guideline change on the manifestation of IE.

RESULTS

A total of 2014 patients (41%) underwent surgical procedures before the guideline change, and 2903 patients (59%) underwent surgical procedures after the change. After 2009, patients were older (67.0 years [interquartile range, 56.0-74.0 years] vs 64.0 years [interquartile range, 52.0-71.0 years]; P < .001), and they presented with more comorbidities, such as hypertension (56.9% vs 41.7%; P < .001), diabetes (27.4% vs 24.4%; P = .020), peripheral artery disease (8.5% vs 6.5%; P = .011), and preoperative acute kidney injury (42.8% vs 31.9%; P < .001). Patients had worse clinical outcomes with respect to 30-day mortality (18.1% vs 14.3%; P = .001) and 1-year mortality (37.1% vs 29.1%; P < .001). An increase in Streptococcus-related IE (P = .002) and an increase in mitral valve IE (P = .035) were observed after the guideline change.

CONCLUSIONS

Since 2009, there has been a significant increase in the incidence of mitral valve IE and Streptococcus-related IE. Patients undergoing surgical procedures for IE present with more comorbidities, which contribute to high mortality rates.

Impact of reimbursement restriction on drug market sales under the National Health Insurance in Japan

AIM

National health care expenditures have been increasing each year, although the Japanese government has annually revised official drug prices. Managing the health care system to pay for expensive drugs is a major concern. The reimbursement restriction, which is the only way that a drug can be implemented before market entry in Japan, is crucial for managing expenditures. Therefore, this study identifies the impact of the reimbursement restriction on drug market sales in Japan, particularly in the situation where health technology assessment or other market access regulations are not applicable before market entry.

METHOD

All new drugs listed in fiscal years 2011-2019, along with their market size forecast, were identified using the materials from the Central Social Insurance Medical Council. We then calculated the percentage rate of reimbursement amounts based on the National Database of Health Insurance Claims relative to the predicted market size as a dependent variable. Using the reimbursement restriction for each drug as an independent variable, we performed descriptive and univariate analyses on each variable, followed by generalized linear mixed-effects model regression analysis.

RESULTS

We identified 211 drugs. The mean rates of drugs that required physicians, facilities, and patients to meet criteria for use were 30.85% (n = 2), 31.42% (n = 2), and 72.11% (n = 6), respectively. The mean rate of drugs that required diagnostic testing was 22.99% (n = 7), which was 3.7 times lower than the rate of drugs that did not require such testing (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that the reimbursement restriction requiring diagnostic testing has a substantial impact on decreasing market sales. As the number of cases for each requirement is small, further study is needed to measure the impact of the other reimbursement restrictions.

Adapted from: Prevention of Viridans Group Streptococcal Infective Endocarditis: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

In 2007, the American Heart Association published updated evidence-based guidelines on the recommended use of antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent viridans group streptococcal (VGS) infective endocarditis (IE) in cardiac patients undergoing invasive procedures. The 2007 guidelines significantly scaled back the underlying conditions for which antibiotic prophylaxis was recommended, leaving only 4 categories thought to confer the highest risk of adverse outcome. The purpose of this update is to examine interval evidence of the acceptance and impact of the 2007 recommendations on VGS IE and, if needed, to make revisions based on this evidence.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A writing group was formed consisting of experts in prevention and treatment of infective endocarditis including members of the American Dental Association, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, in addition to the American Heart Association. MEDLINE database searches were done for English language articles on compliance with the recommendations in the 2007 guidelines and the frequency of and morbidity or mortality from VGS IE after publication of the 2007 guidelines. Overall, there was good general awareness of the 2007 guidelines but variable compliance with recommendations. There was no convincing evidence that VGS IE frequency, morbidity, or mortality has increased since 2007.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of a review of the available evidence, there are no recommended changes to the 2007 VGS IE prevention guidelines. We continue to recommend VGS IE prophylaxis only for categories of patients at highest risk for adverse outcome while emphasizing the critical role of good oral health and regular access to dental care for all. Randomized controlled studies to determine whether antibiotic prophylaxis is effective against VGS IE are needed to further refine recommendations.

Escalating incidence of infective endocarditis in Europe in the 21st century

AIM

To provide a contemporary analysis of incidence trends of infective endocarditis (IE) with its changing epidemiology over the past two decades in Europe.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester. Ovid EBM Reviews, Ovid Embase, Ovid Medline, Scopus and Web of Science were searched for studies published between 1 January 2000 and 30 November 2020. All studies were independently reviewed by four referees and those that included a population-based incidence of IE in patients, irrespective of age, in Europe were included. Least squares regression was used to estimate pooled temporal trends in IE incidence.

RESULTS

Of 9138 articles screened, 18 studies were included in the review. Elderly men predominated in all studies. IE incidence increased 4.1% per year (95% CI 1.8% to 6.4%) in the pooled regression analysis of eight studies that included comprehensive and consistent trends data. When trends data were weighted according to population size of individual countries, an increase in yearly incidence of 0.27 cases per 100 000 people was observed. Staphylococci and streptococci were the most common pathogens identified. The rate of surgical intervention ranged from 10.2% to 60.0%, and the rate of inpatient mortality ranged from 14.3% to 17.5%. In six studies that examined the rate of injection drug use, five of them reported a rate of less than 10%.

CONCLUSION

Based on findings from our systematic review, IE incidence in Europe has doubled over the past two decades in Europe. Multiple factors are likely responsible for this striking increase.

TRIAL REGISTERATION NUMBER

CRD42020191196.

Infective endocarditis in paediatric population

Infective endocarditis is very uncommon in children; however, when it does arise, it can lead to severe consequences. The biggest risk factor for paediatric infective endocarditis today is underlying congenital heart defects. The most common causative organisms are Staphylococcus aureus and the viridans group of streptococci. The spectrum of symptoms varies widely in children and this produces difficulty in the diagnosis of infective endocarditis. Infective endocarditis in children is reliant on the modified Duke criteria. The use of blood cultures remains the most effective microbiological test for pathogen identification. However, in blood culture-negative infective endocarditis, serology testing and IgG titres are more effective for diagnosis. Imaging techniques used include echocardiograms, computed tomography and positron emission tomography. Biomarkers utilised in diagnosis are C-reactive protein, with recent literature reviewing the use of interleukin-15 and C-C motif chemokine ligand for reliable risk prediction. The American Heart Association (AHA) and European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines have been compared to describe the differences in the approach to infective endocarditis in children. Medical intervention involves the use of antimicrobial treatment and surgical interventions include the repair and replacement of cardiac valves. Quality of life is highly likely to improve from surgical intervention.Conclusion: Over the past decades, there have been great advancements in clinical practice to improve outcomes in patients with infective endocarditis. Nonetheless, further work is required to better investigative and manage such high risk cohort. What is Known: • The current diagnostic techniques including 'Duke's criteria' for paediatric infective endocarditis diagnosis • The current management guidelines utilised for paediatric infective endocarditis What is New: • The long-term outcomes of patients that underwent medical and surgical intervention • The quality of life of paediatric patients that underwent medical and surgical intervention.

Antibiotika im Rahmen der Endokarditisprophylaxe – Risiko und Nutzen

Für die Effektivität und Effizienz einer antibiotischen Prophylaxe vor zahnmedizinischen Eingriffen zum Schutz vor einer infektiösen Endokarditis liegt nur eine geringe Evidenz vor, die keine Rechtfertigung zur generalisierten Therapie von Patienten mit einem erhöhten Endokarditisrisiko darstellt. Aktuelle Leitlinien empfehlen daher, Antibiotika im Rahmen der Endokarditisprophylaxe auf Patienten zu beschränken, die zum einen ein hohes Risiko für die Entstehung einer infektiösen Endokarditis aufweisen und die sich zum anderen zahnärztlichen Eingriffen mit höchstem Endokarditisrisiko unterziehen. Einen hohen Stellwert besitzen allerdings auch Mund- und Hauthygienemaßnahmen, die nicht nur auf Risikopatienten, sondern auch auf die Allgemeinbevölkerung angewendet werden sollten, da die Inzidenz der infektiösen Endokarditis bei Patienten ohne anamnestisch bekannte Herzerkrankung zunehmend ansteigt.

The New Challenge for Heart Endocarditis: From Conventional Prosthesis to New Devices and Platforms for the Treatment of Structural Heart Disease

Infective endocarditis is a sinister condition with considerable morbidity and mortality. Its relevance in the current era is compounded by the increased use of implanted devices such as replacement valves or cardiac implantable electronic devices. These infections are caused by multiple different bacteria with different virulence, pathogenicity, and antimicrobial resistance. Unlike in native endocarditis, the presence of foreign tissue permits sustenance by inflammatory and thrombotic processes as the artificial surfaces promote inflammatory responses and hypercoagulability. Prevention of these infections has been suggested with the use of homografts in combination with antibiotics. Others have attempted to use "low fouling coats" with little clinical success thus far. The use of antibiotic prophylaxis plays a pivotal part in reducing the incidence of prosthesis-related endocarditis. This remains especially crucial with the increasing use of transcatheter heart valve therapies. The widespread use of cardiac implantable electronic devices such as permanent pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices has also heralded a noticeable increase in cases of infectious endocarditis affecting complex equipment which can be difficult to treat. Multimodality strategies are needed with input from surgeons and cardiologists to ensure treatment is both prompt and successful, tailored to the individual needs of the patients.

A Contemporary Population-Based Profile of Infective Endocarditis Using the Expanded Rochester Epidemiology Project

OBJECTIVE

To develop a contemporary profile of infective endocarditis (IE) among a population in 6 counties of Olmsted, Dodge, Mower, Steele, Waseca, and Freeborn in southern Minnesota between 2014 and 2018.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All possible and definite cases of IE (≥18 years) among residents of 6 counties in southern Minnesota, including Olmsted County, diagnosed between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2018, were included in this retrospective, population-based investigation, using the Expanded Rochester Epidemiology Project (E-REP).

RESULTS

Overall, 137 patients with IE developed incident IE in the 6-county region, corresponding to an age- and sex-adjusted incidence rate of 11.9 per 100,000 person-years. Men had a significantly higher incidence of IE (17.9 vs 6.8 per 100,000 person-years), and rates increased exponentially with age in both sexes. The median age of incident cases was 68.2 years, and 67.9% were male patients. The percentage of patients with histories of injection-drug use was low, at 6.7%. Bicuspid aortic valve was the most common (9.6%) native valve predisposing condition. Staphylococcus aureus was identified as the predominant pathogen in the overall group (34.8%), with viridans-group streptococci accounting for only 19.3% cases. Central nervous system and musculoskeletal complications were common. The 30-day readmission rate was 27.9%, and the 6-month mortality rate was 31.8%.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first time that the population-based E-REP has been used to determine an age- and sex-adjusted IE incidence. Older male patients predominated, and S aureus was the most common pathogen. Based on these findings, it is not surprising that IE complications were frequently seen.

Prevention of Viridans Group Streptococcal Infective Endocarditis: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

In 2007, the American Heart Association published updated evidence-based guidelines on the recommended use of antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent viridans group streptococcal (VGS) infective endocarditis (IE) in cardiac patients undergoing invasive procedures. The 2007 guidelines significantly scaled back the underlying conditions for which antibiotic prophylaxis was recommended, leaving only 4 categories thought to confer the highest risk of adverse outcome. The purpose of this update is to examine interval evidence of the acceptance and impact of the 2007 recommendations on VGS IE and, if needed, to make revisions based on this evidence.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A writing group was formed consisting of experts in prevention and treatment of infective endocarditis including members of the American Dental Association, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, in addition to the American Heart Association. MEDLINE database searches were done for English language articles on compliance with the recommendations in the 2007 guidelines and the frequency of and morbidity or mortality from VGS IE after publication of the 2007 guidelines. Overall, there was good general awareness of the 2007 guidelines but variable compliance with recommendations. There was no convincing evidence that VGS IE frequency, morbidity, or mortality has increased since 2007.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of a review of the available evidence, there are no recommended changes to the 2007 VGS IE prevention guidelines. We continue to recommend VGS IE prophylaxis only for categories of patients at highest risk for adverse outcome while emphasizing the critical role of good oral health and regular access to dental care for all. Randomized controlled studies to determine whether antibiotic prophylaxis is effective against VGS IE are needed to further refine recommendations.

Epidemiology of infective endocarditis before versus after change of international guidelines: a systematic review

Introduction:

All major international guidelines for the management of infective endocarditis (IE) have undergone major revisions, recommending antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) restriction to high-risk patients or foregoing AP completely. We performed a systematic review to investigate the effect of these guideline changes on the global incidence of IE.

Methods:

Electronic database searches were performed using Ovid Medline, EMBASE and Web of Science. Studies were included if they compared the incidence of IE prior to and following any change in international guideline recommendations. Relevant studies fulfilling the predefined search criteria were categorized according to their inclusion of either adult or pediatric patients. Incidence of IE, causative microorganisms and AP prescription rates were compared following international guideline updates.

Results:

Sixteen studies were included, reporting over 1.3 million cases of IE. The crude incidence of IE following guideline updates has increased globally. Adjusted incidence increased in one study after European guideline updates, while North American rates did not increase. Cases of IE with a causative pathogen identified ranged from 62% to 91%. Rates of streptococcal IE varied across adult and pediatric populations, while the relative proportion of staphylococcal IE increased (range pre-guidelines 16–24.8%, range post-guidelines 26–43%). AP prescription trends were reduced in both moderate and high-risk patients following guideline updates.

Discussion:

The restriction of AP to only high-risk patients has not resulted in an increase in the incidence of streptococcal IE in North American populations. The evidence of the impact of AP restriction on IE incidence is still unclear for other populations. Future population-based studies with adjusted incidence of IE, AP prescription rates and accurate pathogen identification are required to delineate findings further in these other regions.

Temporal Trends of Infective Endocarditis in Olmsted County, Minnesota, Between 1970 and 2018: A Population-Based Analysis

Background

A population-based study of infective endocarditis (IE) in Olmsted County, Minnesota, provides a unique opportunity to define temporal and seasonal variations in IE incidence over an extended time period.

Methods

This was a population-based review of all adults (≥18 years) residing in Olmsted County, Minnesota, with definite or possible IE using the Rochester Epidemiology Project from January 1, 1970, through December 31, 2018. Poisson regression was used to characterize the trends in IE incidence; models were fitted with age, sex, calendar time, and season, allowing for nonlinearity and nonadditivity of their effects.

Results

Overall, 269 cases of IE were identified over a 49-year study period. The median age of IE cases was 67.2 years, and 33.8% were female. The overall age- and sex-adjusted incidence of IE was 7.9 cases per 100 000 person-years (95% CI, 7.0-8.9), with corresponding rates of 2.4, 2.4, 0.9, and 0.7 per 100 000 person-years for Staphylococcus aureus, viridans group streptococci (VGS), Enterococcus species, and coagulase-negative staphylococci IE, respectively. Temporal trends varied by age, sex, and season, but on average IE incidence increased over time (P = .021). Enterococcal IE increased the most (P = .018), while S. aureus IE appeared to increase but mostly in the winter months (P = .018). Between 1996 and 2018, the incidence of VGS IE was relatively stable, with no statistically significant difference in the trends before and after the 2007 AHA IE prevention guidelines.

Conclusions

Overall, IE incidence, and specifically enterococcal IE, increased over time, while S. aureus IE was seasonally dependent. There was no statistically significant difference in VGS IE incidence in the periods before and after publication of the 2007 AHA IE prevention guidelines.

[Antibiotic prophylaxis for infective endocarditis: current approaches]

This review addresses current views on prevention of infectious endocarditis (IE). History of establishing the concept of antibacterial prophylaxis (ABP), major approaches, and substantiation of changes in ABP in recent years are described. Recent international and national guidelines are highlighted, specifically, guidelines of the European Society of Cardiologists, American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology, and the Japanese Circulation Society. The review presents critical evaluation of previously approved international guidelines, including analysis of the effect of partial or complete ABP restriction on IE morbidity and incidence of complications. Special attention is paid to awareness of practitioners, particularly dentists, about ABP issues in their practice. Aspects of validity and key features of preventive approaches in implanting cardiac electronic devices and transcatheter aortic valve implantation are discussed.

Prevalence of bacteraemia following dental extraction - efficacy of the prophylactic use of amoxicillin and clindamycin

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of single-dose antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) in the prevention of bacteraemia following tooth extractions at our clinic.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifty patients undergoing tooth extractions were enrolled. The need of AP was determined according to the health status and possible allergies of the patients. Blood culture samples were collected at baseline, 5 min after the first tooth extraction and 20 min after the last extraction.

RESULTS

The majority (76%) received prophylactic oral amoxicillin or intravenous ampicillin (AMX/AMP) (2 g), 12% received clindamycin (CLI) (600 mg) and 12% received no prophylaxis (NO AP). All baseline blood cultures were reported negative. The prevalence of bacteraemia was significantly higher in the CLI and NO AP groups compared to the AMX/AMP group 5 min after the first tooth extraction (p < .0001 and p = .015, respectively). Twenty minutes after the last extraction positive blood cultures were reported only for CLI (p = .0015) and NO AP groups. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of positive blood cultures between CLI and NO AP groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Appropriately administered AMX/AMP proved its efficacy in reducing both the prevalence and duration of bacteraemia following tooth extractions whereas CLI was not effective in preventing bacteraemia following tooth extractions.

A Review of Guidelines for Antibiotic Prophylaxis before Invasive Dental Treatments

Bacteraemia associated with invasive dental treatments can propagate infective endocarditis in high-risk cardiac patients. Over the past decade, antibiotic prophylaxis before dental treatment has been questioned. This review aims to compare the variations between the UK, European and American antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines before dental treatments. Antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)—Clinical Guideline 64, Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP), American Heart Association (AHA), European Society of Cardiology (ESC), European Society of Endodontology (ESE) and Belgian Health Care Knowledge Centre (KCE) position statements were compared regarding the indications, high-risk patients and prophylaxis regimens before dental treatments. In the United Kingdom, the NICE—Clinical Guideline 64 and SDCEP—Implementation Advice do not advise the prescription of prophylactic antibiotics for the majority of high-risk cardiac patients undergoing routine dental treatments. On the contrary, the AHA, ESC and KEC recommend the prescription of antibiotics prior to invasive dental procedures in high-risk cardiac individuals. The ESE also indicates prophylaxis before endodontic procedures for patients with other conditions, including impaired immunologic function, prosthetic joint replacement, high-dose jaw irradiation and intravenous bisphosphonates. Among these guidelines, there are variations in antibiotic prophylaxis regimens. There are variations regarding the indications and antibiotic prophylaxis regimens before invasive dental treatments among these available guidelines.

Antibiotic prophylaxis during dental implant placement in the UK

Background Antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern globally. It has previously been demonstrated that antibiotic prescribing for dental implants within the UK is varied with an apparent lack of guidance. This study aimed to establish current use of antibiotic prophylaxis during dental implant placements in the UK.Method An anonymous validated online questionnaire was distributed to members of the BAOS, BSSPD, BSP, ADI and ITI. Data were then collated and analysed.Results Two hundred and twenty-nine responses were received during April-July 2018. Fifty-five percent of dentists routinely prescribed antibiotics during implant placements. One-third did sometimes, but not routinely. Thirteen percent never prescribed. Reported protocols contained 61 different drug/dose combinations given over 124 different regimens. Those who prescribed routinely had significantly higher levels of training/qualification (P = 0.008), placed more implants (P = 0.014) and undertook more complex placements (P = 0.002) than non-prescribers. Seventy-three percent believed antibiotics decrease post-operative infection. One in ten felt they gave no benefit. Half believed they decrease implant failure. Over 90% would like national guidelines.Conclusion Significant variance in practice is clear. Almost half of practitioners did not routinely prescribe. Those who did were significantly more experienced, highly trained and did more complex placements. There was a difference between practitioners' perceived benefits of antibiotic prophylaxis and the evidence in the literature. There was a great desire for clearer guidance.

A narrative review of the interpretation of guidelines for the treatment of infective endocarditis

The recommendations of the current guidelines and the position papers of professional societies from the European Society of Cardiology/European Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons (ESC), the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/Society of Thoracic Surgeon (ACC/AHA/STS) and American Association of Thoracic Surgeon (AATS) regarding management of patients with valvular heart endocarditis were updated over the past decade. However, some of the recommendations appear to contradict one another. Given the changing paradigms on how the disease manifests, our aim was to review the respective guidelines and highlight these differences whilst drawing attention to the subsequent studies from which they were derived. In particular, concerns regarding antibiotic prophylaxis and therapy, imaging modality for diagnosis and follow-up, cerebrovascular sequalae and timing of surgery are appraised in detail. We also identified the novel techniques used such as transcatheter therapies and advances in imaging modalities used for diagnosis and treatment of this condition. The lack of randomised control trials (RCTs) does raise several issues regarding applicability of findings in day-to-day practice. Therefore, the focus of upcoming studies should be on clearly defined multicenter RCTs to provide more robust evidence for the management and treatment of infective endocarditis as future guidelines will be based on the outcomes of these trials.

Redo aortic valve replacement for prosthesis endocarditis in patients previously classified as high or prohibitive risk: a narrative review

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and sutureless aortic valve replacement (Su-AVR) enabled in the last years many patients at high or prohibitive risk to be treated for their severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis. As often happens in medicine, new techniques bring not only new hopes, but also new problems. In recent years, alongside the lengthening of the life of these patients treated with TAVI or Su-AVR, cardiologists and cardiac surgeons have had to face the long-term complications associated with the implantation of these devices, such as the prosthetic infective endocarditis. The correct management of prosthesis valve endocarditis after TAVI or Su-AVR in high risk patients, and the possible role of surgery are a matter of debate because pushing the limits of the modern medicine and becoming a new challenge for cardiac surgeons of 21^st century. In this review, we summarized the incidence, characteristics and evidences for this new and controversial problem of the cardiovascular community. Moreover, we investigated the outcomes reported in literature of the conservative and the surgical strategy. Although the reported mortality rate of surgical treatment is high, seems not prohibitive, mostly if compared to conservative medical therapy. The collaborative exchange between cardiologist, cardiac surgeons, clinical microbiologists and expert of imaging is mandatory to face this challenge.

Prescribing of antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent infective endocarditis

BACKGROUND

In 2007, the American Heart Association recommended that antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) be restricted to those at high risk of developing complications due to infective endocarditis (IE) undergoing invasive dental procedures. The authors aimed to estimate the appropriateness of AP prescribing according to type of dental procedure performed in patients at high risk, moderate risk, or low or unknown risk of developing IE complications.

METHODS

Eighty patients at high risk, 40 patients at moderate risk, and 40 patients at low or unknown risk of developing IE complications were randomly selected from patients with linked dental care, health care, and prescription benefits data in the IBM MarketScan Databases, one of the largest US health care convenience data samples. Two clinicians independently analyzed prescription and dental procedure data to determine whether AP prescribing was likely, possible, or unlikely for each dental visit.

RESULTS

In patients at high risk of developing IE complications, 64% were unlikely to have received AP for invasive dental procedures, and in 32 of 80 high-risk patients (40%) there was no evidence of AP for any dental visit. When AP was prescribed, several different strategies were used to provide coverage for multiple dental visits, including multiday courses, multidose prescriptions, and refills, which sometimes led to an oversupply of antibiotics.

CONCLUSIONS

AP prescribing practices were inconsistent, did not always meet the highest antibiotic stewardship standards, and made retrospective evaluation difficult. For those at high risk of developing IE complications, there appears to be a concerning level of underprescribing of AP for invasive dental procedures.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Some dentists might be failing to fully comply with American Heart Association recommendations to provide AP cover for all invasive dental procedures in those at high risk of developing IE complications.

Structure based virtual screening identifies small molecule effectors for the sialoglycan binding protein Hsa

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a cardiovascular disease often caused by bacteria of the viridans group of streptococci, which includes Streptococcus gordonii and Streptococcus sanguinis. Previous research has found that serine-rich repeat (SRR) proteins on the S. gordonii bacterial surface play a critical role in pathogenesis by facilitating bacterial attachment to sialylated glycans displayed on human platelets. Despite their important role in disease progression, there are currently no anti-adhesive drugs available on the market. Here, we performed structure-based virtual screening using an ensemble docking approach followed by consensus scoring to identify novel small molecule effectors against the sialoglycan binding domain of the SRR adhesin protein Hsa from the S. gordonii strain DL1. The screening successfully predicted nine compounds which were able to displace the native ligand (sialyl-T antigen) in an in vitro assay and bind competitively to Hsa. Furthermore, hierarchical clustering based on the MACCS fingerprints showed that eight of these small molecules do not share a common scaffold with the native ligand. This study indicates that SRR family of adhesin proteins can be inhibited by diverse small molecules and thus prevent the interaction of the protein with the sialoglycans. This opens new avenues for discovering potential drugs against IE.

Analysis of the frequency of bacteraemia of dental origin implicated in infective endocarditis in patients requiring valve surgery

Understanding the frequency of bacteraemia of dental origin that is implicated in severe infective endocarditis (IE) will further our understanding of the disease's pathoaetiology and help us take steps to reduce its prevalence. A total of 78 patients from the Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, who had valve surgery due to IE (as confirmed by the Modified Duke Criteria) were included. Case notes were retrospectively reviewed for microorganisms that were implicated in the bacteraemia and IE. Associated factors were also recorded to determine whether they were different if a dental or non-dental pathogen was inoculated. A dental pathogen was implicated in 24 of the patients with IE; 20 had non-dental pathogens, and 30 were culture negative. This was not deemed statistically significant (p=0.54). Of the associated factors, only smoking was statistically significant with a greater proportion of non-smokers having bacteraemia of dental origin (p=0.03). No other associated factor was appreciably different based on the aetiology of the microorganism. Our results indicate that dental pathogens are not more likely to cause severe IE. We therefore advocate the stance adopted by the current national guidance on the judicious prescription of antibiotic prophylaxis for IE with regard to dental procedures.

Relationship between 18F-FDG Uptake in the Oral Cavity, Recent Dental Treatments, and Oral Inflammation or Infection: A Retrospective Study of Patients with Suspected Endocarditis

[18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ([18F]FDG PET/CT) has proven to be a useful diagnostic tool in patients with suspected infective endocarditis (IE), but is conflicting in relation to dental procedures.

QUESTIONS

Is there a correlation between [18F]FDG PET/CT findings, recent dental treatment, and an affected oral cavity? (2) Is there a correlation between infective endocarditis (IE), oral health status, and (extra)cardiac findings on [18F]FDG PET/CT?

METHODS

This retrospective study included 52 patients. All [18F]FDG PET/CT scans were examined visually by pattern recognition using a three-point scale and semi-quantified within the volume of interest (VOI) using SUVmax.

RESULTS

19 patients were diagnosed with IE (group 1), 14 with possible IE (group 2), and 19 without IE based on the modified Duke criteria (group 3). No correlation was found between visual PET and SUVmax and sites of oral inflammation and infection. The visual PET scores and SUVmax were not significantly different between all groups. A significant difference in the SUVmax of the valve between all groups was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that no correlation exists between the PET findings in the oral cavity and dental treatments or inflammation/infection. No correlation between IE, actual oral health status, and extra-cardiac findings was demonstrated. Additional research is needed to conclude whether [18F]FDG PET/CT imaging is a reliable diagnostic modality for oral inflammation and infection sites.

Incidence of infective endocarditis caused by viridans group streptococci in Sweden - effect of cessation of antibiotic prophylaxis in dentistry for risk individuals

Introduction

In October 2012, the Swedish Medical Products Agency published new recommendations for the cessation of prophylactic antibiotics in dentistry for the prevention of infective endocarditis (IE). Previously, 2 g of amoxicillin per os would be administered 1 h before invasive dental procedures to patients with valve prosthesis, complicated heart valve disease, and to those with previous endocarditis.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the total incidence of IE caused by oral viridans group streptococci (VGS) or IE caused by staphylococci, increased in Sweden after the introduction of the new recommendations.

Methods

The incidence of IE in Sweden before and after October 2012 was calculated and compared using an interrupted time series analysis. Separate analyses were conducted for the total incidence of IE, and IE caused by VGS or Staphylococcus aureus. Cases of IE were identified using the Swedish national registry of IE, which has existed since 1995 and contains data from all Swedish hospital clinics specialising in infectious disease. All cases with hospital admission date from the 1^st of Jan 2008, to the 31^st of Dec 2017 were included. The incidence calculations were corrected for annual changes in population size using data from the Swedish government agency Statistics Sweden.

Results

The results show no statistically significant increase in the slope of the trend line of the total incidence of IE, IE caused by VGS or S. aureus in the Swedish general population after October 2012, compared to before.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the recommended cessation of prophylactic antibiotics for the prevention of IE in dentistry has not led to an increased incidence of IE caused by oral streptococci among the Swedish population.

Incidence, Microbiology, and Outcomes in Patients Hospitalized With Infective Endocarditis

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background:

Despite improvements in management, infective endocarditis remains associated with high mortality and morbidity. We describe temporal changes in the incidence, microbiology, and outcomes of infective endocarditis and the effect of changes in national antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines on incident infective endocarditis.

Methods:

Using a Scotland-wide, individual-level linkage approach, all patients hospitalized with infective endocarditis from 1990 to 2014 were identified and linked to national microbiology, prescribing, and morbidity and mortality datasets. Linked data were used to evaluate trends in the crude and age- and sex-adjusted incidence and outcomes of infective endocarditis hospitalizations. From 2008, microbiology data and associated outcomes adjusted for patient demographics and comorbidity were also analyzed. An interrupted time series analysis was performed to evaluate incidence before and after changes to national antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines.

Results:

There were 7638 hospitalizations (65±17 years, 51% females) with infective endocarditis. The estimated crude hospitalization rate increased from 5.3/100 000 (95% CI, 4.8-5.9) to 8.6/100 000 (95% CI, 8.1–9.1) between 1990 and 1995 but remained stable thereafter. There was no change in crude incidence following the 2008 change in antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines (relative risk of change 1.06 [95% CI, 0.94–1.20]). The incidence rate in patients >80 years of age doubled from 1990 to 2014 (17.7/100 000 [95% CI, 13.4–23.3] to 37.9/100 000 [95% CI, 31.5–45.5]). The predicted 1-year age- and comorbidity-adjusted case fatality rate for a 65-year-old patient decreased in women (27.3% [95% CI, 24.6–30.2] to 23.7% [95% CI, 21.1–26.6]) and men (30.7% [95% CI, 27.7–33.8] to 26.8% [95% CI, 24.0–29.7]) from 1990 to 2014. Blood culture data were available from 2008 (n=2267/7638, 30%), with positive blood cultures recorded in 42% (950/2267). Staphylococcus (403/950, 42.4%) and streptococcus (337/950, 35.5%) species were most common. Staphylococcus aureus and enterococcus had the highest 1-year mortality (adjusted odds ratio 4.34 [95% CI, 3.12–6.05] and 3.41 [95% CI, 2.04–5.70], respectively).

Conclusions:

Despite changes in antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines, the crude incidence of infective endocarditis has remained stable. However, the incidence rate has doubled in the elderly. Positive blood cultures were observed in less than half of patients, with Staphylococcus aureus and enterococcus bacteremia associated with worse outcomes.

Time-trend population analysis of the clinical and epidemiologic effect on pediatric infective endocarditis after change of antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines

PURPOSE

In 2007, antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) guidelines for infective endocarditis (IE) changed, but the possible influence on the annual incidences of pediatric IE is unclear.

METHODS

We studied the clinical and epidemiologic impact of AP change by comparing two time periods before and after change of AP guidelines in a tertiary care center as referral center for a total population of more than 4,500,000 inhabitants.

RESULTS

After change of AP guidelines, twenty-five patients were diagnosed for IE at a median age of 6.9 years (range 0.1-19.4, female 48%). Modified Duke criteria were fulfilled for definite (12/25; 48%), or probable IE (13/25; 52%). The frequency of IE (cases per 1000 hospitalized patients) increased from 0.37% (1995-2005) to 0.59% (2006-2017) [p = 0.152], the annual incidence of IE (cases per 1000 CHD patients, < 20 years of age) increased from 0.195 ‰ to 0.399 ‰ [p = 0.072]. Postoperative IE (13/25; 52%), was associated mostly with prosthetic pulmonary valves (12/13; 92%). Pathogens were staphylococci spp. (8/25; 32%), streptococci spp. (7/25; 28%), HACEK (3/25; 12%), other (4/25; 16%), or culture-negative (3/25; 12%). Treatment included antibiotics (25/25; 100%), and cardiac surgery (16/25; 64%). The clinical findings and complications of pediatric IE including mortality (2/25; 8%) did not differ between the two time periods.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric IE remains a severe cardiac disease with a comparable clinical picture. Unless increasing absolute case numbers of IE, the relative case number of IE remains stable despite AP change. The high number of prosthetic pulmonary valve associated IE needs further evaluation and therapeutic alternatives.

Calculated initial parenteral treatment of bacterial infections: Bacterial endocarditis

This is the twelfth chapter of the guideline "Calculated initial parenteral treatment of bacterial infections in adults - update 2018" in the 2^nd updated version. The German guideline by the Paul-Ehrlich-Gesellschaft für Chemotherapie e.V. (PEG) has been translated to address an international audience. The bacterial endocarditis is characterised by a constant incidence but a shift in the patient population due to the use of prosthetic heart valves and foreign materials like pacemakers and the increasing application of invasive medical procedures. This is linked to a change in the predominant infecting organisms towards staphylococci. This chapter gives recommendations for the interdisciplinary management of infective endocarditis from the diagnostic workup over prevention to therapy with a focus on antibiotic therapy.

Oral antibiotic prescribing by NHS dentists in England 2010-2017

Introduction Dentists prescribe a significant proportion of all antibiotics, while antimicrobial stewardship aims to minimise antibiotic-prescribing to reduce the risk of developing antibiotic-resistance and adverse drug reactions.Aims To evaluate NHS antibiotic-prescribing practices of dentists in England between 2010-2017.Methods NHS Digital 2010-2017 data for England were analysed to quantify dental and general primary-care oral antibiotic prescribing.Results Dental prescribing accounted for 10.8% of all oral antibiotic prescribing, 18.4% of amoxicillin and 57.0% of metronidazole prescribing in primary care. Amoxicillin accounted for 64.8% of all oral antibiotic prescribing by dentists, followed by metronidazole (28.0%), erythromycin (4.4%), phenoxymethylpenicillin (0.9%), clindamycin (0.6%), co-amoxiclav (0.5%), cephalosporins (0.4%) and tetracyclines (0.3%). Prescriptions by dentists declined during the study period for all antibiotics except for co-amoxiclav. This increase is of concern given the need to restrict co-amoxiclav use to infections where there is no alternative. Dental prescribing of clindamycin, which accounted for 43.9% of primary care prescribing in 2010, accounted for only 14.6% in 2017. Overall oral antibiotic prescribing by dentists fell 24.4% as compared to 14.8% in all of primary care.Conclusions These data suggest dentists have reduced antibiotic prescribing, possibly more than in other areas of primary-care. Nonetheless, opportunities remain for further reduction.

The value of an "Endocarditis Team"

Establishment of the Heart Team concept in the field of cardiovascular medicine has resulted in quality improvement in the management of heart valve disease and heart failure. Similarly, the concept of an Endocarditis Team would be important in improving outcomes in patients with infective endocarditis (IE), given it is an uncommon clinical entity with general practitioners and low-volume centers lacking sufficient experience in its management. A multidisciplinary approach can substantially reduce the still unacceptably high morbidity and mortality in patients with IE, as it allows early diagnosis and appropriate comprehensive management. Decision-making within the Endocarditis Team must follow a standard protocol that is based on current clinical guidelines for the management of IE. If surgery is indicated, it is best performed sooner than later in most instances. Communication between referring hospitals and reference centers with an established Endocarditis Team must be smooth and definite protocols for transfer to experienced endocarditis centers with surgical facilities is essential. Follow-up and outpatient care following hospital discharge is crucial due to the possibility of residual infection and risk of development of recurrent endocarditis or heart failure, particularly within the first 2 years. Patient and health-care provider education is the mainstay for the accurate implementation of the Endocarditis Team concept. The following Keynote Lecture offers an overview of the current literature supporting the multidisciplinary management of IE and addresses multiple aspects related to the Endocarditis Team, highlighting its importance and necessity for the comprehensive treatment of this complex disease.

Quantifying infective endocarditis risk in patients with predisposing cardiac conditions

Aims

There are scant comparative data quantifying the risk of infective endocarditis (IE) and associated mortality in individuals with predisposing cardiac conditions.

Methods and results

English hospital admissions for conditions associated with increased IE risk were followed for 5 years to quantify subsequent IE admissions. The 5-year risk of IE or dying during an IE admission was calculated for each condition and compared with the entire English population as a control. Infective endocarditis incidence in the English population was 36.2/million/year. In comparison, patients with a previous history of IE had the highest risk of recurrence or dying during an IE admission [odds ratio (OR) 266 and 215, respectively]. These risks were also high in patients with prosthetic valves (OR 70 and 62) and previous valve repair (OR 77 and 60). Patients with congenital valve anomalies (currently considered ‘moderate risk’) had similar levels of risk (OR 66 and 57) and risks in other ‘moderate-risk’ conditions were not much lower. Congenital heart conditions (CHCs) repaired with prosthetic material (currently considered ‘high risk’ for 6 months following surgery) had lower risk than all ‘moderate-risk’ conditions—even in the first 6 months. Infective endocarditis risk was also significant in patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices.

Conclusion

These data confirm the high IE risk of patients with a history of previous IE, valve replacement, or repair. However, IE risk in some ‘moderate-risk’ patients was similar to that of several ‘high-risk’ conditions and higher than repaired CHC. Guidelines for the risk stratification of conditions predisposing to IE may require re-evaluation.

Significance of oral health in adult patients with congenital heart disease

Due to improved diagnosis and treatment life expectancy of patients with congenital heart disease is steadily increasing resulting in a growing portion of adult patients. When entering, adulthood patients commonly show a shift in their specific needs for medical care. Since the treatment is mostly not curative many patients have life-long cardiovascular anomalies, among others, entailing high risk for the development of infective endocarditis. Several oral diseases, i.e., caries, apical periodontitis and periodontitis show a very high overall prevalence. These entities are primarily initiated by bacterial infections. Hence, they cause an inherent risk for bacteremia and subsequently for infective endocarditis in patients with congenital heart disease during professional dental care and various daily activities. Conversely congenital heart disease seems to be inevitably associated with considerable impairment of oral health resulting in a tight interrelation between both entities. Different preventive strategies are available to address the elevated risk for infective endocarditis due to oral diseases in patients with congenital heart disease during professional dental care and routine daily activities. This review delineates the current evidence regarding the issue of oral health in adult patients with congenital heart disease.

Streptococcus mutans isolated from a 4-year-old girl diagnosed with infective endocarditis

Objectives

Infective endocarditis (IE) has an extremely high fatality rate. In this study, we isolated a strain of Streptococcus mutans, which we called HM, from the blood drawn from a 4-year-old girl diagnosed with IE. We aimed to fully type the HM strain and investigate its biological properties, including its virulence with respect to IE.

Material and methods

A 16S rRNA phylogenetic tree and glucosyltransferase gene sequences were used to type HM. Serotyping was performed using the Ouchterlony method. Morphological observations were made using phase contrast and electron microscopy. Fibrinogen adhesion and biofilm formation were investigated to examine the tissue colonization properties of HM, whereas its bodily origin was determined from its fingerprinting pattern.

Results

The isolated strain was S. mutans serotype e. However, its morphology was observed to be short chains, unlike that of the NCTC 10449 reference strain. Fibrinogen adhesion and biofilm formation were more apparent than in NCTC 10449. The fingerprinting pattern showed that HM came from the patient's saliva.

Conclusions

HM differs from NCTC 10449 in its higher fibrinogen affinity. HM was also found to be derived from the oral cavity. These results highlight the importance of good oral hygiene for the prevention of IE in children.

'Caveat emptor': the cautionary tale of endocarditis and the potential pitfalls of clinical coding data-an electronic health records study

BACKGROUND

Diagnostic codes from electronic health records are widely used to assess patterns of disease. Infective endocarditis is an uncommon but serious infection, with objective diagnostic criteria. Electronic health records have been used to explore the impact of changing guidance on antibiotic prophylaxis for dental procedures on incidence, but limited data on the accuracy of the diagnostic codes exists. Endocarditis was used as a clinically relevant case study to investigate the relationship between clinical cases and diagnostic codes, to understand discrepancies and to improve design of future studies.

METHODS

Electronic health record data from two UK tertiary care centres were linked with data from a prospectively collected clinical endocarditis service database (Leeds Teaching Hospital) or retrospective clinical audit and microbiology laboratory blood culture results (Oxford University Hospitals Trust). The relationship between diagnostic codes for endocarditis and confirmed clinical cases according to the objective Duke criteria was assessed, and impact on estimations of disease incidence and trends.

RESULTS

In Leeds 2006-2016, 738/1681(44%) admissions containing any endocarditis code represented a definite/possible case, whilst 263/1001(24%) definite/possible endocarditis cases had no endocarditis code assigned. In Oxford 2010-2016, 307/552(56%) reviewed endocarditis-coded admissions represented a clinical case. Diagnostic codes used by most endocarditis studies had good positive predictive value (PPV) but low sensitivity (e.g. I33-primary 82% and 43% respectively); one (I38-secondary) had PPV under 6%. Estimating endocarditis incidence using raw admission data overestimated incidence trends twofold. Removing records with non-specific codes, very short stays and readmissions improved predictive ability. Estimating incidence of streptococcal endocarditis using secondary codes also overestimated increases in incidence over time. Reasons for discrepancies included changes in coding behaviour over time, and coding guidance allowing assignment of a code mentioning 'endocarditis' where endocarditis was never mentioned in the clinical notes.

CONCLUSIONS

Commonly used diagnostic codes in studies of endocarditis had good predictive ability. Other apparently plausible codes were poorly predictive. Use of diagnostic codes without examining sensitivity and predictive ability can give inaccurate estimations of incidence and trends. Similar considerations may apply to other diseases. Health record studies require validation of diagnostic codes and careful data curation to minimise risk of serious errors.

Cerebral abscess following the self-extraction of teeth in patient with Ebstein's anomaly: a case report

Background

Antibiotic prophylaxis before invasive treatments, including dental extractions, is still recommended for patients at high risk of infective endocarditis. However, the risk from self-extraction of teeth in daily life of patients with intellectual disabilities is uncertain.

Case presentation

A 6-year-old patient with Ebstein’s anomaly developed cerebral abscess, which appeared associated with infective endocarditis of dental origin. Two weeks after self-extraction of his deciduous teeth, he began to experience pain in his ear and developed continuous fever, followed by vomiting, facial spasm, and a loss of consciousness. He was admitted into a hospital for 2 months, during which he received intravenously administered antibiotics and a drainage tube in his brain.

Conclusions

Deciduous teeth can be self-extracted before root resorption and natural shedding in patients with intellectual disabilities. When they are at high risk of infective endocarditis and frequently touch mobile deciduous teeth, it seems to be an option to extract the teeth early with antibiotic prophylaxis, rather than to wait natural fall.

Infective endocarditis - An update for dental surgeons

Infective endocarditis (IE) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The prevention of infective endocarditis, for many years, has involved the identification of at risk patients undergoing medical or dental procedures and the use of pre-procedural antibiotic prophylaxis. However, evidence regarding the effectiveness of such measures is lacking while evidence is mounting for the adverse effects of inappropriate antibiotic use. International guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis were amended, radically in some cases to reflect this. Subsequent epidemiological observations of IE have shown mixed results, strengthening calls for well conducted randomised control trials, now that there is genuine clinical equipoise among clinicians about this question.

Trends in Hospitalization for Infective Endocarditis as a Reason for Admission or a Secondary Diagnosis

We postulate that the trends for infective endocarditis (IE) are different for patients admitted for this condition compared with those admitted for a different reason with IE as a secondary diagnosis. Using the Myocardial Infarction Data Acquisition System (MIDAS) database, we analyzed 21,443 records of patients hospitalized with diagnosis of IE from 1994 to 2015. There were 9,191 patients hospitalized with IE as the primary diagnosis, and 12,252 patients with IE as a secondary diagnosis. Piecewise linear models were used to detect changes in trends. A bootstrap method was used to assess the statistical significance of the slopes and break point of each model. Differences in co-morbidities and microbiological patterns were analyzed. Trend analysis showed a significant decrease in IE as the primary diagnosis starting in the year 2004 (p <0.01). Hospitalizations with IE as a secondary diagnosis showed a linear increase in incidence (p <0.001), without any change points. In primary diagnosis IE, the proportion of streptococci as a causative microorganism was higher compared with staphylococci (p <0.001). On the contrary, in secondary diagnosis IE, the proportion of staphylococci was higher than streptococci (p <0.001). The proportion of gram-negative and other organism IE was similar in both groups. In conclusion, this study showed 2 divergent temporal trends in hospitalizations for IE as a primary or secondary diagnosis starting in 2004. The profile of the microorganisms reveals a steady higher proportion of staphylococcal infection in secondary diagnosis IE compared with streptococcal infection. Different strategies are needed for the prevention of IE.