[Infective endocarditis in adults].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the research was to demonstrate that the early diagnosis of infective endocarditis influences significantly the results of treatment.


METHODS
The following clinical analysis covered 56 patients, aged 18 to 81 (the average age--50 years) with infective endocarditis treated in the years 1998-2000. Data from patient history, physical examination, laboratory investigations and treatment were analysed. Apart from clinical symptoms for infective endocarditis diagnosis, also blood cultures and echocardiography were important.


METHODS
Infective endocarditis was present in 24 patients (42.8%) with heart defects, 7 (12.5%) with prosthetic heart valves, and 4 (7.1%) treated with haemodialysis.


RESULTS
In 38 (67.8%) individuals, the echocardiography showed vegetations, and in 14 (25.0%) other abnormalities. Blood cultures were positive in 33 (58.9%) patients. Fever was present in 47 (83.9%) patients. The progression of heart failure appeared in 26 (46.4%) individuals. The average time of antibiotic therapy was 34 days. 11 (19.6%) patients died. 9 (16.1%) individuals had cardiosurgery operations.


CONCLUSIONS
Early diagnosis of infective endocarditis is substantial as it improves patients' prognosis as to health and life.
Rozwodowska
M
M
Katedra i Klinika Kardiologii i Chorób Wewnetrznych, Akademia Medyczna im. Ludwika Rydygiera w Bydgoszczy.
Rozwodowska
M
M
Gospodarek
E
E
Swiatkiewicz
I
I
Kubik-Swierczyńska
H
H
Zwierzchlewski
T
T
Nartowicz
E
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004562:Electrocardiography; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006349:Heart Valve Diseases / Q000382:microbiology; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011044:Poland / Q000453:epidemiology; D011379:Prognosis; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D012307:Risk Factors
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents