PARENTAL KNOWLEDGE OF BACTERIAL-ENDOCARDITIS PROPHYLAXIS

The aim of this study was to determine parental knowledge of bacterial endocarditis prophylaxis (BEP). Parents of 135 patients attending a p ediatric cardiology clinic in a university center were mailed an eight -question survey pertaining to their knowledge of their child's cardia c disease, medications, and BEP. The patients' cardiac lesions and cur rent medications were verified by a review of clinic and echocardiogra phic records. Each patient's need for BEP was determined according to American Heart Association (AHA) recommendations [3]. Eighty-four (62% ) parents returned complete surveys. The patients' mean age was 5 year s with a range of 9 weeks to 19 years. Eighty-two (98%) respondents we re high school graduates. Fifty-two (62%) respondents correctly define d endocarditis. Eighty-two (98%) parents knew the correct name of thei r child's cardiac condition and 27/32 (84%) knew the names of their ch ild's current medications. Only 36/64 (56%) parents of at-risk childre n knew measures to prevent endocarditis. While most parents know the n ame of their child's heart lesion and current medications, parental kn owledge of endocarditis and BEP was limited. Intensified education and awareness programs are needed in order to prevent potential major mor bidity and mortality for pediatric patients with heart disease.