Dear Community,
Antibiotics are medicines indicated for the treatment of infections caused by Bacteria, hence the name .
According to the American Heart Association, Journal of November 2014 edition, from when NICE ( National Institute for Clinical Excellence ) - the watch dog of medical guidelines in Britain- indicated that antibiotics should no longer be prescribed as profillactic ( preventive ) treatment in patients with moderate to severe heart valve lesions, from 2011- 2014 there has been a 25% increase in heart valve infections called Encocarditis.
Fako Heart did elucidate on this serious heart condition given that it is quite frequent in Africa and often misdiagnosed.
Now, the rational behind restrictions of antibiotic prescriptions in Western countries is based on high resistance to antibiotics by a wide spectrum of bacteria. But this is not the case in Africa.
To address this topic one can sit here until tomorrow. However, to cut a long story short, from my experience, antibiotic resistance in this society is predominant in the elderly . In Africa, where I have limited experience I must admit, there is significant shortage of antibiotics and Endocarditis is claiming lives according to Prof Pisodo, Chief Cardiologist at the University of Cape Town.
The Gossip here is that the Chief Cardiologist of the upcoming Fako Heart saw an African lady with moderate - Severe Aortic valve lesion last week. This patient is at risk of heart valve infection in the event of mild to moderate surgical operations , eg, dental extractions. According to guidelines here in Britain, antibiotics are not indicated ahead of this intervention. I whispered to this lady that healthcare in Western countries is mostly patient driven. Therefore, she should ask her GP to provide her with antibiotic cover ahead of any operation including dental manoeuvres.
The reason we are being asked not to prescribe antibiotics indiscriminately is to reduce resistance to antibiotics . There is an issue with costs as well.
As Africans, I really don;t think antibiotic resistance is an issue as we really do not have access to a widespectrum of powerful antibiotics.
Also, some of you must have experienced sorrowful outcomes of clinical conditions due to late prescriptions of antibiotics.
This is the case with Pneumonia when late prescription of antibiotics could lead to systemic infection( septicaemia ) which is life threatening and will respond only to very expensive intravenous antibiotics only.
The purpose of this email is to highlight the difference in medical practice in different parts of the world and I totally agree with the Journal from the US. I hope nice will review guidelines in this respect.
And please back home don,t hesistate to start antibiotics on someone with fever, new onset abnormal heart sounds associated with signs of infection and raised inflamatory markers.
Happy Easter !!
FAKO HEART
Centre of Excellence for Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases.
P. O BOX 400.
BUEA.
SW REGION.
CAMEROON.
AFRICA
Contact : 00237 72 310 76
Email : fakoheart@outlook.com
Antibiotics are medicines indicated for the treatment of infections caused by Bacteria, hence the name .
According to the American Heart Association, Journal of November 2014 edition, from when NICE ( National Institute for Clinical Excellence ) - the watch dog of medical guidelines in Britain- indicated that antibiotics should no longer be prescribed as profillactic ( preventive ) treatment in patients with moderate to severe heart valve lesions, from 2011- 2014 there has been a 25% increase in heart valve infections called Encocarditis.
Fako Heart did elucidate on this serious heart condition given that it is quite frequent in Africa and often misdiagnosed.
Now, the rational behind restrictions of antibiotic prescriptions in Western countries is based on high resistance to antibiotics by a wide spectrum of bacteria. But this is not the case in Africa.
To address this topic one can sit here until tomorrow. However, to cut a long story short, from my experience, antibiotic resistance in this society is predominant in the elderly . In Africa, where I have limited experience I must admit, there is significant shortage of antibiotics and Endocarditis is claiming lives according to Prof Pisodo, Chief Cardiologist at the University of Cape Town.
The Gossip here is that the Chief Cardiologist of the upcoming Fako Heart saw an African lady with moderate - Severe Aortic valve lesion last week. This patient is at risk of heart valve infection in the event of mild to moderate surgical operations , eg, dental extractions. According to guidelines here in Britain, antibiotics are not indicated ahead of this intervention. I whispered to this lady that healthcare in Western countries is mostly patient driven. Therefore, she should ask her GP to provide her with antibiotic cover ahead of any operation including dental manoeuvres.
The reason we are being asked not to prescribe antibiotics indiscriminately is to reduce resistance to antibiotics . There is an issue with costs as well.
As Africans, I really don;t think antibiotic resistance is an issue as we really do not have access to a widespectrum of powerful antibiotics.
Also, some of you must have experienced sorrowful outcomes of clinical conditions due to late prescriptions of antibiotics.
This is the case with Pneumonia when late prescription of antibiotics could lead to systemic infection( septicaemia ) which is life threatening and will respond only to very expensive intravenous antibiotics only.
The purpose of this email is to highlight the difference in medical practice in different parts of the world and I totally agree with the Journal from the US. I hope nice will review guidelines in this respect.
And please back home don,t hesistate to start antibiotics on someone with fever, new onset abnormal heart sounds associated with signs of infection and raised inflamatory markers.
Happy Easter !!
FAKO HEART
Centre of Excellence for Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases.
P. O BOX 400.
BUEA.
SW REGION.
CAMEROON.
AFRICA
Contact : 00237 72 310 76
Email : fakoheart@outlook.com
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