Changing concepts in management of infective endocarditis

Med J Aust. 1977 May 21;1(21):767-72. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1977.tb131111.x.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cardiac Catheterization
  • Drug Eruptions / etiology
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / drug therapy
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / etiology
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / surgery
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / therapy*
  • Female
  • Heart Valve Diseases / complications
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Penicillins / adverse effects
  • Postoperative Complications

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Penicillins