Bacterial endocarditis is an infection involving the heart valves, the endocardium of the ventricles and atria, the large blood vessels, and the artificial material used for repair procedures. It is most often a complication of a congenital heart defect or rheumatic disease, and can occur after cardiac surgery, dialysis, in patients with vascular catheters, as well as in healthy children.
Symptoms and course heart diseases
Symptoms include:
- fever,
- skin, mucous membrane and conjunctival changes,
- enlargement of the spleen,
- neurological disorders,
- kidney failure.
Investigations show high inflammatory markers, anaemia, the presence of bacteria in blood cultures and very characteristic vegetations on the valves visible on echocardiography. Bacterial endocarditis is a disease with a high risk of complications and mortality.
When to go to the doctor and treat heart diseases
A child with a heart defect and fever should always be assessed by a doctor, including a cardiologist if necessary. The need for antibiotic prophylaxis should be established before dental procedures. In children at risk, systematic dental care, careful oral hygiene, treatment of the teeth and gums is essential to reduce the risk of bacteraemia, which can occur during daily oral care.
Treatment heart diseases
A child with a cyanotic heart defect, patients after repair procedures with artificial materials, and those who have already had endocarditis are among those at high risk of developing bacterial endocarditis and require antibiotic prophylaxis when certain dental procedures are carried out.
Patients with suspected or diagnosed endocarditis should be hospitalised and receive antibiotic therapy and, in special situations, cardiac surgery.
