Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

An In Vitro Model of a Parallel-Plate Perfusion System to Study Bacterial Adherence to Graft Tissues
07:50

An In Vitro Model of a Parallel-Plate Perfusion System to Study Bacterial Adherence to Graft Tissues

Published on: January 7, 2019

Particularities in diagnosis and treatment for infectious endocarditis in children

Alina Costina Luca1, Isabela Ioana Begezsan, C Iordache

  • 1University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T Popa Iasi, Faculty of Medicine.

Revista Medico-Chirurgicala a Societatii De Medici Si Naturalisti Din Iasi
|May 25, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Infectious endocarditis (IE) is a serious childhood illness requiring prompt diagnosis and targeted treatment. Early blood cultures and imaging are crucial for effective management and improving outcomes in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Infectious endocarditis (IE) is a rare but potentially fatal condition in children.
  • Prompt and complete eradication of infection is the primary therapeutic goal.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the specific diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for infectious endocarditis in pediatric cases.
  • To identify particularities in the management of childhood IE.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study of children diagnosed with IE between January 2007 and February 2012.
  • Inclusion criteria: hospitalization in the Cardiology Department of "Sfânta Maria" Children Emergency Hospital.
  • Data collected included patient demographics, pre-existing conditions, causative agents, and treatment regimens.

Main Results:

  • The study included patients aged 23 days to 16 years (average 4 years).
  • Endocardial damage was associated with pre-existing valvular lesions (mitral and aortic) in 88% of cases.
  • Common congenital malformations included ventricular septal defect and mitral valve prolapse. Frequent etiological agents were Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species, with identified sensitivities to various antibiotics.

Conclusions:

  • Infectious endocarditis is a severe disease affecting children, with potential for mortality.
  • Early diagnosis through imaging and blood cultures is vital for timely intervention.
  • Targeted and rapid antibiotic treatment is essential for successful management of pediatric IE.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Endocarditis I: Introduction01:25

Endocarditis I: Introduction

Introduction:Endocarditis is the infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart and its valves. When the heart muscle is involved, the condition is termed myocarditis, while an infection of the outer lining is called pericarditis. Infective endocarditis (IE) primarily affects the endocardium, where pathogens adhere to the valves or lining, forming vegetation that can lead to severe complications. Infective endocarditis occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from other body...
Endocarditis III: Medical Management01:18

Endocarditis III: Medical Management

Infective endocarditis management involves a multifaceted approach encompassing infection prevention, lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapy, and surgical management.Infection Prevention:Hand Hygiene: Thorough handwashing is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed regularly, especially before and after using the restroom.Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential. It includes brushing teeth immediately after waking up and before bed, flossing...
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management01:29

Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a chronic infection of the heart's endocardium, primarily affecting the heart valves. A detailed nursing assessment for a patient with IE involves collecting subjective and objective data to ensure an accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.Subjective DataThe nurse gathers information about the patient's symptoms and complaints during the subjective assessment. Patients with infective endocarditis often report non-specific symptoms that can mimic other...
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis01:25

Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis

Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
Myocarditis III: Medical Management01:14

Myocarditis III: Medical Management

Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...