Subacute bacterial endocarditis is usually caused by streptococcal bacteria. This form of the disease usually develops on damaged valves after dental surgery involving infected gums, reproductive or urinary (genitourinary tract) surgery or operations on the gastrointestinal tract.
What is the most common cause of endocarditis?
Endocarditis is usually caused by
an infection
. Bacteria, fungi or other germs from another part of your body, such as your mouth, spread through your bloodstream and attach to damaged areas in your heart. If it’s not treated quickly, endocarditis can damage or destroy your heart valves.
What strep causes endocarditis?
Endocarditis caused by
group B streptococci
is the most common type, and endocarditis caused by group A streptococci is associated with the lowest mortality. Early valve replacement may be indicated in endocarditis caused by group B, C, and G streptococci.
What is the survival rate of endocarditis?
Conclusions: Long term survival following infective endocarditis is
50% after 10 years
and is predicted by early surgical treatment, age < 55 years, lack of congestive heart failure, and the initial presence of more symptoms of endocarditis.
What is the cause of endocarditis?
Endocarditis is
caused by bacteria in the bloodstream multiplying and spreading across the inner lining of your heart
(endocardium). The endocardium becomes inflamed, causing damage to your heart valves. Your heart is usually well protected against infection so bacteria can pass harmlessly by.
How fast does endocarditis develop?
There are two forms of infective endocarditis, also known as IE: Acute IE — develops suddenly and may become life threatening within days. Subacute or chronic IE (or subacute bacterial endocarditis) — develops
slowly over a period of weeks to several months
.
Does endocarditis go away?
Bacterial endocarditis is an infection of the heart’s inner lining or heart valves. It’s a serious condition that needs to be
treated right away
. Endocarditis can cause serious complications. It can also lead to death.
What antibiotics treat endocarditis?
Initial empiric therapy in patients with suspected endocarditis should include
vancomycin or ampicillin/sulbactam (Unasyn)
plus an aminoglycoside (plus rifampin in patients with prosthetic valves). Valve replacement should be considered in selected patients with infectious endocarditis.
Why is it hard to treat endocarditis?
If the endocarditis is caused by a fungus, because
fungal infections
are harder to treat than bacterial infections. If the infection is not clearing with antibiotics, or if the bacteria causing the infection have become resistant to antibiotics. If the infection has damaged the heart valves.
What is the most common complication of infective endocarditis?
Congestive heart failure (CHF)
is the most important complication of IE, which has the greatest impact on prognosis. Periannular abscesses are a relatively common complication of IE (42% to 85% of cases during surgery or at autopsy respectively), associated with a higher morbidity and mortality.
How long does it take to get rid of endocarditis?
Endocarditis is treated with long-term courses of intravenous antibiotics or antifungals. Each course can last
as long as six weeks
. If you are taking medication, check with your doctor and dentist before you have dental work.
How is endocarditis prevented?
- Seeking professional dental care every six months.
- Regularly brushing and flossing your teeth.
- Making sure dentures fit properly.
Can bad teeth cause endocarditis?
Poor health in the teeth or gums increases the risk of endocarditis
, as this makes it easier for the bacteria to get in. Good dental hygiene helps prevent heart infection.
How do you fix endocarditis?
Most cases of endocarditis can be treated with
a course of antibiotics
. You’ll usually have to be admitted to hospital so the antibiotics can be given through a drip in your arm (intravenously). While you’re in hospital, regular blood samples will be taken to see how well the treatment is working.
What are the chances of getting endocarditis again?
Three problems hamper the prognosis of patients who survive the initial phase of infective endocarditis (IE): the rate of IE recurrence is
0.3-2.5/100 patient years
, about 60% of patients will have to be operated on at some time, 20-30% during the initial stay, 30-40% during the following 5-8 years; five-year survival …
Can you have endocarditis without a fever?
Isolated mitral posteromedial papillary endocarditis
is a rare entity and highlights that even without fever, murmurs, or constitutional symptoms, severe multisystem infections from endocarditis can occur.
