antibiotic prophylaxis post myectomy

[jenn_nb]

There seems to be some controversy about the need for antibiotic prophylaxis (eg for dental work) following myectomy. Is it necessary forever, for a certain time post op?? Anybody have any info to share?

[Reenie]

Re: antibiotic prophylaxis post myectomy

I didn't get to attend the breakout session on antibiotic use prophalactically at the meeting on Saturday, but I believe most specialists recommend HCM patients continue to use the antibiotics regardless of any surgical procedures they may have had done. If you have any specific questions please follow up with your doctor.

[gfox42]

Re: antibiotic prophylaxis post myectomy

I wasn't there either, but . . . yes, both my local cardiologist and Dr. Lever recommended the prophylaxis.

Gordon

[Cynaburst]

Re: antibiotic prophylaxis post myectomy

I was there for part of the panel discussion, and I had a separate conversation later that night with some of the doctors. The bottom line is, that it depends on the person and the answer for each person can be different. My specialist recommends it for me post myectomy. However, he does an independent analysis for every person, taking into account their personal situation so what is true for me might not be true for you.

[BobLoyd]

Re: antibiotic prophylaxis post myectomy

I had a myectomy on 5/22/2008 by Dr. Schaff's team at the Mayo Clinic. They discussed the subject at length and yes, at least for me, antibiotics are required.

In Mayo's Patient Education materials they included a book "Steps to heart Health". Chapter 10, Infective Endocarditis, contains the following information:

"WHO IS SUSCEPTIBLE?
While infective endocarditis sometimes occurs on normal heart valves, people with valve abnormalities that cause turbulent blood flow through the heart have a greater risk. The abnormalities could include scarring of a heart valve due to rheumatic fever, a leaking or narrowed valve, an abnormal opening between chambers of the heart or an artificial heart valve. People who have endocarditis once also are susceptible to getting it again.

Even if your heart problem is minor and has never caused any difficulty or if you have had a heart defect repaired and feel entirely healthy, remember that you still may be more sysceptible than usual to infective endocarditis. However it is important to remember that infective endocarditis is uncommon - - even if you are at a higher risk.

The risk for infective endocarditis is increased for people with pacemakers or ICDs but not for people who have had previous coronary artery bypass surgery."

So, it's something you need to discuss with your doctor.

[THW]

Re: antibiotic prophylaxis post myectomy

I was also at this breakout session of the HCMA conference. I found the stats hard to swallow and apparently so did my HCM specialist, as he spoke up. I got the feeling that a number of HCM specialists questioned the recommendation. So until I hear otherwise from the top HCM specialists, I'm taking my antibiotics with any dental treatment.
Theresa