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Published on: October 29, 2014
Infective endocarditis in neonates
1Department of Neonatology, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
Abstract:
Five patients with neonatal infective endocarditis were reviewed, two of whom survived. Infection was caused by Staphylococcus aureus in four and by Candida albicans in one. All cases of bacterial endocarditis had clinical signs of septicaemia, positive blood cultures, thrombocytopenia, microscopic haematuria, and heart murmurs. Three developed skin abscesses early in their illnesses. Three patients had two dimensional echocardiographic studies that showed bacterial vegetations. One of these studies was done before the heart murmur could be heard. We suggest that echocardiography in conjunction with the clinical picture described may help in making an early diagnosis of endocarditis in neonates.
Insights
Neonatal infective endocarditis, often caused by Staphylococcus aureus, presents with sepsis signs. Echocardiography aids early diagnosis, improving outcomes for this rare neonatal condition.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- Neonatal infective endocarditis is a rare but serious condition.
- Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans are common causative agents.
- Early diagnosis is crucial for improving patient survival rates.
Observation:
- A review of five neonatal infective endocarditis cases was conducted.
- Four cases were caused by Staphylococcus aureus, one by Candida albicans.
- Clinical signs included septicaemia, positive blood cultures, thrombocytopenia, haematuria, and heart murmurs.
Findings:
- Three patients developed early skin abscesses.
- Two-dimensional echocardiography revealed bacterial vegetations in three cases.
- Echocardiography detected vegetations even before a heart murmur was audible.
Implications:
- Echocardiography, combined with specific clinical signs, can facilitate early diagnosis of neonatal endocarditis.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are vital for improving survival in affected neonates.
- This study highlights the utility of echocardiography in identifying endocarditis in neonates presenting with sepsis.
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