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[Infective endocarditis in adults]
M Rozwodowska1, M Rozwodowska, E Gospodarek
1Katedra i Klinika Kardiologii i Chorób Wewnetrznych, Akademia Medyczna im. Ludwika Rydygiera w Bydgoszczy.
Objective:
The aim of the research was to demonstrate that the early diagnosis of infective endocarditis influences significantly the results of treatment.
Methods:
The following clinical analysis covered 56 patients, aged 18 to 81 (the average age--50 years) with infective endocarditis treated in the years 1998-2000. Data from patient history, physical examination, laboratory investigations and treatment were analysed. Apart from clinical symptoms for infective endocarditis diagnosis, also blood cultures and echocardiography were important.
Main Observations:
Infective endocarditis was present in 24 patients (42.8%) with heart defects, 7 (12.5%) with prosthetic heart valves, and 4 (7.1%) treated with haemodialysis.
Results:
In 38 (67.8%) individuals, the echocardiography showed vegetations, and in 14 (25.0%) other abnormalities. Blood cultures were positive in 33 (58.9%) patients. Fever was present in 47 (83.9%) patients. The progression of heart failure appeared in 26 (46.4%) individuals. The average time of antibiotic therapy was 34 days. 11 (19.6%) patients died. 9 (16.1%) individuals had cardiosurgery operations.
Conclusions:
Early diagnosis of infective endocarditis is substantial as it improves patients' prognosis as to health and life.