Prevalence of predisposing factors for endocarditis among an elderly institutionalized population.
The charts of 100 nursing home patients in a Veterans Affairs skilled nursing facility were reviewed to identify the need for endocarditis prevention prior to dental procedures. Forty-two (42%) had identifiable needs. Systolic murmurs, documented in 38% of the residents, were the most prevalent abnormality. Five patients had other indications for antibiotic coverage (history of rheumatic heart disease, previous endocarditis, artificial heart valve), which added four unique patients (those not already identified by murmurs) to the total. The dental implications of these findings are discussed.
Felder
R S
RS
Geriatric Dental Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, Ore.
Nardone
D
D
Palac
R
R
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016321:Dental Care for Aged; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006337:Heart Murmurs / Q000453:epidemiology; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008945:Mitral Valve Prolapse / Q000453:epidemiology; D011292:Premedication; D012214:Rheumatic Heart Disease / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012866:Skilled Nursing Facilities
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents