skip to main content

Rheumatic Fever No IE Prophylaxis — NDEB AFK MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyPharmacologyRheumatic Fever No IE ProphylaxisNDEB AFK

A patient with a history of rheumatic fever but no valvular heart disease presents for dental treatment. According to AHA 2021 guidelines, does this patient require infective endocarditis prophylaxis?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: ANo — rheumatic fever history alone without high-risk valvular conditions does not require IE prophylaxis

AHA 2021 guidelines do NOT recommend IE prophylaxis for patients with a history of rheumatic fever alone. Prophylaxis is only recommended for the specific high-risk conditions: (1) prosthetic heart valve or prosthetic material for valve repair; (2) previous IE; (3) unrepaired cyanotic CHD; (4) repaired CHD with prosthetic material (within 6 months or with residual defects); (5) cardiac transplant with valvulopathy. A history of rheumatic fever without these conditions does not warrant prophylaxis, even if mild valvular changes are present.

Reference: AHA – Prevention of Infective Endocarditis Guidelines, 2021