ANTIBIOTIC PROPHYLAXIS IN CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE, HOW AWARE ARE WE????

Congenital cardiac disease is found to be one of the most common developmental anomalies in children, with increased risk of bacterial endocarditis. This study was done to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of the paediatric dental practitioners for the use of antibiotic prophylaxis Material and Methods The study is a cross sectional questionnaire survey conducted among the practising Paedodontists in India. The questionnaire was designed based on the current recommendations of American Heart Association and AAPD guidelines. A total of 102 paediatric dentists responded to the survey. Results 81% of the respondents perform treatment in patients with congenital heart disease. 19% who did not prefer performing dental treatment in such patients weren’t sure of handling the situation and had a fear of risk involved. 73% of the respondents preferred extraction followed by space maintenance, whereas 61% opted pulpotomy or pulpectomy as a treatment option. 23% felt pulp therapy upto indirect pulp capping as a safer option. About 90% believed and prescribed Amoxicillin/ Ampicillin 50mg/kg as the drug of choice for prophylaxis. 76% believed that there is chance of developing resistance to antibiotics used. AHA guidelines are the most relied one and 92% of the practitioners updated their knowledge frequently. Discussion Majority of the practitioners followed the Guidelines & updated themselves regularly. Inspite of the establishment of guidelines, a minority of practitioners have inadequate knowledge regarding Conditions requiring Prophylaxis & Antibiotics used and the Treatments Recommended.