Medicines for Infective endocarditis

What it is

Infective endocarditis is a serious infection of the inner lining of the heart, usually affecting one or more heart valves. It happens when bacteria (or, less often, other germs) enter the bloodstream and settle on a valve, particularly one that is already abnormal or artificial. People at higher risk include those with certain existing heart valve problems, artificial valves, some congenital heart conditions, or a previous episode. Symptoms can be non-specific and develop over days to weeks — fever, chills, night sweats, tiredness, aches, and weight loss — and there may be a new or changed heart murmur and, sometimes, small skin or eye changes. Because it can damage the valves and cause serious complications, it needs prompt diagnosis with blood cultures and heart scans (echocardiography).

How it is treated

Infective endocarditis is treated in hospital with a prolonged course of antibiotics given into a vein, usually over several weeks, guided by identifying the specific germ from blood cultures. Some people need heart surgery — for example to repair or replace a badly damaged valve, remove infected material, or treat complications. Close monitoring watches for complications affecting the heart and other organs. Because certain people are at higher risk, they may be given advice on reducing risk, such as good dental and skin hygiene (as the mouth is a common source), and, in specific high-risk situations, preventive antibiotics for certain procedures. Care is coordinated by cardiology and infection specialists.