The 1997 Prevention of Bacterial Endocarditis Recommendations by the American Heart Association: Questions and Answers

ABSTRACT

Since the publication of the American Heart Association 1997 recommendations for the prevention of bacterial endocarditis, questions have arisen regarding the application of these guidelines. It is impossible for any such recommendations to include all conceivable clinical situations that might arise, and therefore questions are appropriate. Frequently asked questions are included in this article. Answers provided for the questions are the opinions of the authors, who participated in the formulation of these guidelines, and are not intended to supplant the judgment of the dental health professional who is privy to all the facts when the individual clinical decision is made.

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Notes on contributors

Homas J. Pallasch

Thomas J. Pallasch, DDS, MS, is a professor of pharmacology and periodontics at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry.

Tommy W. Gage

Tommy W. Gage, DDS, PhD, is a professor in and vice chairman of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Pharmacology at Baylor College of Dentistry.

Kathryn A. Taubert

Kathryn A. Taubert, PhD, is a senior scientist in the Department of Science and Medicine at the American Heart Association and is an adjunct professor of physiology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School.