Changing concepts in management of infective endocarditis.
Sixty-four patients were treated for 73 episodes of infective endocarditis over the five-year period 1970 to 1974 at St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney. There were 13 deaths with a mortality rate of 18-1% compared with 38% (1950 to 1959). Included were 13 cases of infection on prosthetic valves with three deaths. Fifty-one per cent of patients were studied by cardiac catheterization. Early or emergency surgery was performed in 28% of cases and late surgery in 16%. The improved results were due to multiple factors, including early diagnosis, prompt investigation in a specialized unit, rational use of appropriate antibiotics, careful management of complications and early surgery.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000209:etiology; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006349:Heart Valve Diseases / Q000150:complications; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010406:Penicillins / Q000009:adverse effects; D011183:Postoperative Complications
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D010406:Penicillins