Case report: Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis in 2 premature newborns

Area of Science:

• Neonatology
• Pediatric Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Neonatal infectious endocarditis (IE) on a healthy heart is a rare condition.
• Staphylococcus aureus and fungi are the most common causative agents in newborns.
• Central intravenous catheter infections are often implicated in the development of neonatal IE.

Observation:

• Presents two cases of premature newborns diagnosed with Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis within their first week of life.
• Both newborns showed positive clinical evolution.
• Diagnosis was based on modified Duke criteria, adapted for neonates.

Findings:

• Modified Duke criteria, incorporating clinical, echocardiographic, and microbiological data, are applicable to neonates.
• Transthoracic echocardiography is vital for diagnosis but requires careful interpretation due to embolic risk.
• Both cases were successfully treated with long-term antibiotic therapy alone, without surgical intervention.

Implications:

• Despite potential complications like emboli, prompt diagnosis and treatment lead to favorable outcomes.
• Long-term pediatric heart monitoring is essential for managing survivors of neonatal IE.
• Adherence to European Society of Cardiology guidelines, including prophylactic antibiotics, is recommended.