General principles of the treatment of infective endocarditis

The early diagnosis of infective endocarditis is important so that effective antibiotic treatment may be started without delay. When this is achieved other treatment problems are minimised. Heart failure and rhythm changes are treated in the conventional way. The use of necessary surgery at any stage of the disease has greatly improved the prognosis. The timing of surgery is important and is best achieved by close consultation between cardiologist, microbiologist and surgeon. In general, any failure, either haemodynamic or microbiological, of the patient to make a good response will be an indication to consider surgery.