Infective Endocarditis in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease

Although modern medicine has improved survival in congenital heart disease dramatically, the long-term course carries a risk of late complications. The incidence of infective endocarditis in adults with congenital heart disease is more than 10 times higher than that of the normal population. Identification of the high-risk groups, a high diagnostic alert, and no random prescription of antibiotics to these patients are important issues to health care providers. There is also a need for a structured education of patients on preventive measures and symptoms of infective endocarditis.