Infective endocarditis in congenital heart disease

Congenital heart disease (CHD) has become the leading risk factor for pediatric infective endocarditis (IE) in developed countries after the decline of rheumatic heart disease. Advances in catheter- and surgery-based cardiac interventions have rendered almost all types of CHD amenable to complete correction or at least palliation. Patient survival has increased, and a new patient population, referred to as adult CHD (ACHD) patients, has emerged. Implanted prosthetic material paves the way for cardiovascular device-related infections, but studies on the management of CHD-associated IE in the era of cardiovascular devices are scarce. The types of heart malformation (unrepaired, repaired, palliated) substantially differ in their lifetime risks for IE. Streptococci and staphylococci are the predominant pathogens. Right-sided IE is more frequently seen in patients with CHD. Relevant comorbidity caused by cardiac and extracardiac episode-related complications is high. Transesophageal echocardiography is recommended for more precise visualization of vegetations, especially in complex type of CHD in ACHD patients. Antimicrobial therapy and surgical management of IE remain challenging, but outcome of CHD-associated IE from the neonate to the adult is better than in other forms of IE.

Primary prevention of IE is vital and includes good dental health and skin hygiene; antibiotic prophylaxis is indicated only in high-risk patients undergoing oral mucosal procedures.