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Surgery for infective valve endocarditis in children.
C Alexiou1, S M Langley, J L Monro
1Department of Cardiac Surgery, The General Hospital, Southampton, UK. christosalexiou@hotmail.com
Summary
Pediatric infective valve endocarditis surgery shows low operative mortality and satisfactory long-term survival. While re-operation may be needed, recurrent infection rates are low in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Infective endocarditis in children is rare.
- Surgical outcomes for pediatric infective valve endocarditis require further evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess operative mortality, recurrent infection, re-operation, and long-term survival rates after surgery for infective valve endocarditis in children.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of 16 pediatric patients undergoing surgery for infective valve endocarditis between 1972 and 1999.
- Follow-up averaged 11.2 years, with a total of 179.5 patient-years.
Main Results:
- One operative death (6.2%) occurred in a neonate. Recurrent infection was observed in 6.25% of patients.
- Freedom from re-operation was 60.9% at 20 years. Actuarial survival at 20 years was 78.1%.
Conclusions:
- Surgery for infective valve endocarditis in children can be performed with low operative mortality.
- Despite potential re-operations, satisfactory long-term survival and freedom from recurrent infection are achievable.