Infective Endocarditis in Childhood: a Single-Center Experience of 18 Years

Conclusion: We found that congenital heart disease remains a significant risk factor for IE. The highest risk groups included operated patients w ho had conduits in the pulmonary position and unoperated patients with a large ventricular septal defect. Surgical intervention was required in most of the patients. Mortality rate was high, especially in patients infected with S. aureus, although the time between the onset of the first symptom and diagnosis was short. Patients with fever and a high risk of IE should be carefully examined for IE, and evaluation in favor of IE until proven otherwise will be more accurate. In high-risk patients with prolonged fever, IE should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
Source: Revista Brasileira de Cirurgia Cardiovascular - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Source Type: research