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Previous Volume 332:38-44 January 5, 1995 Number 1 Next

	Since this article has no abstract, we have provided an extract of the first 100 words of the full text and any section headings.

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Infective endocarditis is always fatal if untreated and continues to cause substantial morbidity and mortality despite modern antimicrobial and surgical treatment.^1,2,3,4,5 Therefore, prevention is a priority. In 1909, Lord Thomas Horder wrote that when "infection is grafted upon a previously sclerosed endocardium . . . it is possible to do something to prevent the mischief. . . . The source of the infecting agent in most of the cases is the mouth or the intestine. . . . Attention might profitably be directed to these regions in all persons known to possess valvular defects."⁶ Today we continue efforts "to do . . . [Full Text of this Article]

The Rationale for Prophylaxis against Endocarditis

The Role of Bacteremia in Pathogenesis

Epidemiologic Features

Incidence

The Risk of Endocarditis Associated with Preexisting Cardiac Disorders

Endocarditis Caused by Dental and Surgical Procedures

Potentially Preventable Cases

Studies of Prophylaxis in Animals

The Mechanism of Prevention

The Relevance of Research Findings to Humans

Clinical Studies of Prophylaxis against Endocarditis

Failure of Prophylaxis

Local Preventive Measures

Cost–Benefit Analyses

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice

Medical–Legal Considerations

Current Recommendations

Future Directions

Conclusions

Source Information

From the Department of Medicine, HealthCare International Medical Centre, Beardmore St., Clydebank G81 4DY, Scotland, United Kingdom, where reprint requests should be addressed to Dr. Durack.

References

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