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Prophylaxis of bacterial endocarditis: Awareness of need
Author(s) -
Sholler Gary F.,
Celermajer John M.
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
medical journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1326-5377
pISSN - 0025-729X
DOI - 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1984.tb108290.x
Subject(s) - medicine , endocarditis , bacterial endocarditis , pediatrics , family medicine , intensive care medicine
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.