Prophylaxis of bacterial endocarditis. Awareness of need.
The parents or guardians of attenders at a paediatric cardiac clinic were surveyed over five months. Ninety-six patients who were at risk of bacterial endocarditis were identified. In 46% of these, the parents or guardians had insufficient knowledge to ensure that their children will receive prophylaxis at times of risk. A first language other than English, a lower level of education of the main family wage- earner , lack of exposure to previous dental extractions and non-cardiac operations, and a child aged less than five years--all correlated with poor knowledge of prophylaxis. Means of achieving greater awareness of need and efficacy of protection are suggested.
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003729:Dental Care; D004522:Educational Status; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006266:Health Education; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D010406:Penicillins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011292:Premedication; D012306:Risk
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D010406:Penicillins