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Follow-up study on children with infective endocarditis
J Schollin1, B Bjarke, G Wesström
1Department of Paediatrics, Orebro Medical Center Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Insights
This study followed 36 children with infective endocarditis, finding they generally recovered well. Long-term outcomes were positive, with few recurrent infections or late deaths in this pediatric cardiology research.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Longitudinal Studies
Background:
- Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious infection affecting heart valves.
- Long-term outcomes in children after IE require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term health and cardiac function in children previously diagnosed with infective endocarditis.
- To evaluate the incidence of recurrent infections, late mortality, and sequelae in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- A follow-up study of 36 children with a history of infective endocarditis (1971-1980).
- Data collection included questionnaires and comprehensive non-invasive cardiac examinations with exercise testing.
- Study duration comprised 406 patient-years.
Main Results:
- Four late deaths and three recurrent endocarditis attacks occurred over 406 patient-years.
- Two patients required surgery for the initial infection; five developed intracardiac sequelae.
- An ability index indicated a positive overall outcome for the group.
Conclusions:
- Children who have had infective endocarditis can achieve good long-term outcomes.
- Prophylactic antibiotics and timely management of sequelae may contribute to favorable results.
Abstract:
A follow-up study on 36 children having had infective endocarditis during the time period 1971-80 was performed. All answered a questionnaire and 33 underwent a complete non-invasive cardiac examination including exercise test. The study comprised 406 patient years. During this time there were four late deaths and three recurrent attacks of endocarditis. Seventeen (47%) took prophylactic antibiotics. Two patients had been operated on because of the initial infection and another five had developed intracardiac sequelae. An ability index given to each patient before the infection and at the follow-up showed that as a group these patients were doing well.