title: Prosthetic valve infections.
abstract: Over a 10-year period, 25 patients were treated for prosthetic valve infections: 13 infections were of early onset (within 2 months of valve insertion) and 12 of late onset. Of the latter group 11 patients survived, 6 without reoperation. By contrast, 6 of the 13 with early infections died, 5 of them being among the group of 9 patients who did not undergo reoperation. Vegetations were found on most valves at autopsy or reoperation; they are a major threat to these patients. The authors believe that the mortality for early prosthetic valve infections can be reduced only by earlier prosthetic valve removal and replacement.
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001021:Aortic Valve; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D008943:Mitral Valve; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents