A rational approach to giving antibiotic prophylaxis before endoscopy. Who needs it? Which procedures pose the greatest risk?
Although transient bacteremia occasionally occurs after many GI endoscopic procedures, the incidence of actual infection is low. However, in addition to endocarditis, peritonitis, abscesses, meningitis, portacaval anastomotic infection, and sepsis have been reported. Prophylaxis may reduce the risk of infection; whether it is needed depends on two factors: Is the procedure to be performed associated with an increased likelihood of infection? Does the patient have an underlying condition (such as valvular heart disease or immune system incompetence) that increases the risk of such an infection? Antibiotics that are frequently used for prophylaxis include amoxicillin or gentamicin and ampicillin.
Schembre
D
D
University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, USA.
Bjorkman
D J
DJ
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004696:Endocarditis / Q000517:prevention & control; D016145:Endoscopy, Digestive System / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011292:Premedication; D012307:Risk Factors