Materiały źródłowe

• #1 Endocarditis Nursing Implications – Straight A Nursing

  https://straightanursingstudent.com/endocarditis/

  Endocarditis is inflammation of the endocardium, which is the innermost layer of the heart and also includes the valves. It is often a result of infection, but can also be a complication of rheumatic fever and systemic lupus erythematosus. When it’s caused by an infection, you’ll see it referred to as “infective endocarditis” or IE. Infective endocarditis is the most common form and is very difficult to treat, with a mortality rate of just over 35%. It is often due to staphylococcus aureus infection related to IV drug use or infection related to prosthetic valves. […] Most patients with endocarditis will have a fever, but note that in older patients or those who are immunocompromised, they could actually have a lower-than-normal body temperature. With fever also come associated symptoms such as chills, fatigue, malaise, headache, bone and muscle aches.

• #1 Endocarditis Practice Questions with Answers & NCLEX Reviewplay-sharp-fill

  https://simplenursing.com/endocarditis-nclex-practice-questions-review/

  Endocarditis is a rare condition that mainly affects adults and is caused by bacteria infecting the inner lining of the heart. Individuals with certain heart conditions are at higher risk of developing endocarditis. […] Endocarditis is a condition in which bacteria or fungi get into the inner lining of the heart. The infection can occur in any part of the heart and can cause serious damage to heart valves. […] Endocarditis is caused by inflammation and potentially leads to damage to the heart valve. It can also be caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream through cuts or other breaks in the skin, such as pimples or cuts on hands. […] Risk factors for endocarditis include: Open heart surgery, Infections affecting the heart or blood vessels, Rheumatic fever, Other conditions that affect the immune system.

• #1 Endocarditis Nursing Implications – Straight A Nursing

  https://straightanursingstudent.com/endocarditis/

  It’s important to obtain a thorough health history to identify risk factors and previous occurrence of IE. Risk factors for IE are IV drug use, prosthetic valves, any valve or congenital heart disease, immunosuppressant therapy, recent surgery or other invasive procedures. […] The treatment for endocarditis will be dependent on what is causing the infection. Antibiotics are used for bacterial infection and are typically needed for several weeks. If a valve is infected, the valve will be replaced as early as possible with follow-up antibiotics or antifungals as needed. Some individuals who are at high risk for endocarditis may receive prophylactic antibiotics when undergoing surgery or dental procedures. These high risk individuals are those with prosthetic valves, a history of IE, individuals with congenital heart defects, or heart transplant recipients. […] Teaching those patients who are at high risk about avoiding people with infections, getting adequate rest, and informing their dentist or health care practitioner before any invasive procedures.

• #1 Endocarditis Information | Mount Sinai – New York

  https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/endocarditis

  There is evidence of more severe organ damage (such as heart damage). […] Getting treatment for endocarditis right away improves the chances of a good outcome. […] The American Heart Association recommends preventive antibiotics for people at risk for infectious endocarditis, such as those with: […] Certain birth defects of the heart […] Heart transplant and valve problems […] Prosthetic heart valves (heart valves inserted by a surgeon) […] Past history of endocarditis.

• #1 Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Endocarditis and Pericarditis | Free NURSING.com Courses

  https://nursing.com/lesson/endocarditis-and-pericarditis

  Endocarditis is inflammation within the heart. The inner lining is inflamed. This is caused by bacteria that enter the bloodstream. This bacteria travels to the heart and causes infection and inflammation. […] Endocarditis assessment includes chest pain, heart murmurs, temperature and WBC, SpO2, signs and symptoms of heart failure, and embolic complications such as splinter hemorrhages in nail beds, Janeway lesions, and clubbing of fingers. […] Endocarditis therapeutic management includes IV antibiotics, oral hygiene, antiembolic stockings or SCDs, and possible anticoagulation. […] Patients will need prophylactic antibiotics before any invasive procedure. […] Oral hygiene is imperative. […] Monitor for signs and symptoms of infection and emboli.

• #1 Endocarditis NCLEX Review

  https://www.registerednursern.com/endocarditis-nclex-review/

  Patients who have endocarditis are experiencing inflammation of the endocardium layer of the heart. […] When taking care of a patient with endocarditis, it is very important the nurse knows how to recognize the typical signs and symptoms seen in this condition, the types of endocarditis, treatments, nursing interventions, and patient education. […] Patients who have defective heart valves can experience complications of heart failure (valves are leaking or have stenosis, embolic events (strokes), erosion of valve leaflets, and abscesses of the heart tissue. […] Nursing Interventions for Infective Endocarditis: Monitor: […] Signs and symptoms of heart failure […] Collecting blood cultures to find out what type of microorganism is infecting the patientantibiotic treatment is based on this

• #1 Discharge Instructions for Infective Endocarditis (IE) | Saint Luke’s Health System

  https://www.saintlukeskc.org/health-library/discharge-instructions-infective-endocarditis-ie

  Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following: […] Return of symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, paleness, headache, or weakness. […] Call 911 if you have: […] Symptoms of a stroke, such as trouble speaking or the inability to move one side of your body or your face.

• #1 Endocarditis – Diagnosis & treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endocarditis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352582

  To diagnose endocarditis, a health care provider does a physical exam and asks questions about your medical history and symptoms. Tests are done to help confirm or rule out endocarditis. […] Many people with endocarditis are successfully treated with antibiotics. Sometimes, surgery may be needed to fix or replace damaged heart valves and clean up any remaining signs of the infection. […] High doses of antibiotics are used to treat endocarditis caused by bacteria. If you receive antibiotics, you’ll generally spend a week or more in the hospital so that care providers can determine if the treatment is working. […] Heart valve surgery may be needed to treat persistent endocarditis infections or to replace a damaged valve. Surgery is sometimes needed to treat endocarditis that’s caused by a fungal infection.

• #1 Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Endocarditis | Free NURSING.com Courses

  https://nursing.com/lesson/nursing-care-plan-for-endocarditis

  Nursing Interventions and Prevention: Discuss nursing interventions for patients with endocarditis, emphasizing the importance of infection prevention strategies, patient education, and collaborative care to improve outcomes and prevent complications. […] Assess Heart Sounds: Patients with endocarditis may develop valve disorders listen for heart murmurs or extra sounds. […] Assess and Address Oral Hygiene: There is a significant connection between oral health and pericarditis. Bacteria can travel to the heart easily from the oral cavity. Patients should brush their teeth twice daily to prevent complications. […] Administer IV Antibiotics: Endocarditis is almost always a bacterial source, therefore, IV antibiotics will be required to treat the infection. Be sure to obtain blood cultures prior to initiating antibiotics.

• #1 Native-valve endocarditis detected by point-of-care echocardiography | The Ultrasound Journal | Full Text

  https://theultrasoundjournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s13089-022-00294-2

  Infective endocarditis carries a high morbidity and mortality; therefore, a rapid diagnosis and timely treatment is crucial to improve outcomes. […] Point-of-care echocardiogram has a pivotal role in diagnosis and decision-making of infective endocarditis. […] Early detection and timely treatment are pivotal, for which point-of-care echocardiogram (TTE at first instance, and then TEE) has a critical role.

• #1 Trends in infective endocarditis over two decades in a Thai tertiary care setting | Scientific Reports

  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-96609-z

  Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious condition with high morbidity and mortality. […] Initiating antibiotic therapy and performing timely surgery in indicated patients are crucial to preventing significant complications such as heart failure, stroke, systemic embolization, and sepsis/septic shock. […] The diagnosis of IE relies on clinical suspicion, reinforced by microbiological evidence and the identification of IE-related cardiac lesions through imaging techniques, with transthoracic echocardiography being the most commonly utilized worldwide. […] The objective of this study was to analyze the changes in clinical characteristics, echocardiography findings, microbial etiology, mortality rates, and outcomes of patients diagnosed with IE over a span of two decades in Thai patients.

• #1 Overview of management of infective endocarditis in adults – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-management-of-infective-endocarditis-in-adults

  The management of infective endocarditis (IE) includes prompt diagnosis, treatment with antimicrobial therapy, and in some cases of complicated IE, surgical management. Preventive measures including antimicrobial prophylaxis may reduce the risk of initial and recurrent IE for patients with relevant risk factors. […] This topic will discuss the management of IE in adults. Details regarding antimicrobial therapy and surgery for IE are discussed separately, as are issues related to prevention of IE. […] Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, complications, and outcomes of IE are discussed separately. […] The diagnosis of IE is relatively straightforward in some patients but can be quite challenging in patients who present early in the course of infection and/or patients with nonspecific symptoms.

• #1 Endocarditis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16957-endocarditis

  Endocarditis can be life-limiting. Once you get it, you’ll need quick treatment to prevent damage to your heart valves and more serious complications. […] After taking your blood cultures, your healthcare provider will start you on intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy. They’ll use a broad-spectrum antibiotic to cover as many suspected bacterial species as possible. As soon as they know which specific type of organism you have, they’ll adjust your antibiotics to target it. Usually, you’ll receive IV antibiotics for as long as six weeks to cure your infection. […] If endocarditis damages your heart valve and any other part of your heart, you may need surgery to fix your heart valve and improve your heart function. […] After you complete your treatment, your provider will determine the sources of bacteria in your blood (for example, dental infections) and treat them. In the future, you should take prophylactic (preventive) antibiotics according to national guidelines.

• #1 Endocarditis – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499844/

  Infective endocarditis is a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality in children and adolescents despite new advantages in management and prophylaxis. […] This activity outlines the evaluation and management of endocarditis and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in the management of patients with this condition. […] Describe interprofessional team strategies for improving care coordination and communication to advance the treatment of endocarditis and improve patient outcomes. […] The choice of antibiotics, a method of administration, and length of treatment should be synchronized with pediatric infectious disease and pediatric cardiology. […] Antibiotic therapy can be adjusted depending on the clinical status of the patient and laboratory findings regarding antibiogram.

• #1

  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/endocarditis/treatment/

  You’ll usually have to take antibiotics for 2 to 6 weeks. […] You may need surgery to repair damage to the heart. […] Surgery will usually be recommended if: your symptoms or test results suggest you have experienced heart failure, a serious condition where your heart’s not pumping blood around your body efficiently; you continue to have a high temperature (fever) despite treatment with antibiotics or antifungals; your endocarditis is caused by particularly aggressive fungi or drug-resistant bacteria; you experience 1 or more blood clots despite treatment with antibiotics or antifungals; you have an artificial (prosthetic) heart valve; the results of your echocardiogram suggest that a collection of pus (abscess) or an abnormal passageway (fistula) has developed inside your heart. […] The 3 main surgical procedures used to treat endocarditis are: repair of the damaged heart valve; replacement of the damaged heart valves with prosthetic ones during aortic valve replacement surgery; draining of any abscesses and repair of any fistulas that may have developed in the heart muscle.

• #1 Infective endocarditis: too ill to be operated? | Critical Care | Full Text

  https://ccforum.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/cc1464

  Infective endocarditis remains a disease associated with high mortality in certain groups of patients, with death resulting primarily from central nervous system complications and congestive heart failure. […] Combined medical and surgical therapy reduces both early and late mortality in complicated cases, especially in patients with valvular dysfunction related to heart failure. […] There are several consensus indications for surgery during active IE: refractory congestive heart failure and physiologically significant valve dysfunction demonstrated by echocardiography; uncontrolled infection; ineffective antimicrobial therapy and perivalvular extension of infection; most cases of prosthetic valve endocarditis; and resection of mycotic aneurysm. […] Congestive heart failure has remained the strongest indication for surgery in IE.

• #1 Endocarditis – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499844/

  If associated complications like heart failure are present, appropriate therapy including diuretics and reducing agents can aid in the treatment. […] Surgical intervention for infective endocarditis is recommended in cases of the severe aortic valve, mitral valve or prosthetic valve involvement with intractable heart failure. […] The key is to make a prompt diagnosis and start antibiotic treatment. […] The interprofessional team should follow every patient with endocarditis to ensure that optimal care is provided. […] Even with optimal treatment, endocarditis is associated with high morbidity and mortality.

• #1 Endocarditis Nursing Management – RNpedia

  https://www.rnpedia.com/nursing-notes/medical-surgical-nursing-notes/endocarditis-nursing-management/

  Endocarditis is an inflammation of the endocardium; it is usually limited to the membrane lining and the valves. […] Nursing Diagnosis: Decreased cardiac output secondary to valvular dysfunction from infective process. […] Nursing Interventions: Patient Monitoring. Monitor pulse pressure and central venous pressure hourly or more frequently if titrating pharmacologic agents. […] Patient Management: Provide supplemental oxygen at 2 to 4 L/min to maintain or improve oxygenation.

• #1 Endocarditis Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan – NurseStudy.Net

  https://nursestudy.net/endocarditis-nursing-diagnosis/

  Monitor Vital Signs: Check temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. Note any irregularities in heart rhythm. Monitor for signs of sepsis. […] Nursing Diagnosis Statement: Decreased Cardiac Output related to valvular damage and inflammatory response as evidenced by new heart murmur, fatigue, and decreased exercise tolerance. […] Nursing Diagnosis Statement: Risk for Sepsis related to ongoing bacterial endocarditis as evidenced by positive blood cultures and persistent fever. […] Nursing Diagnosis Statement: Activity Intolerance related to decreased cardiac function as evidenced by fatigue and dyspnea with minimal exertion. […] Nursing Diagnosis Statement: Risk for Impaired Tissue Perfusion related to embolic complications as evidenced by decreased peripheral pulses and skin changes. […] Nursing Diagnosis Statement: Knowledge Deficit related to complex medical condition as evidenced by questions about self-care and prevention of recurrence.

• #1

  https://journals.lww.com/nursing/fulltext/2003/12000/identifying_infective_endocarditis.23.aspx

  Provide a calm, quiet environment for the patient and document his vital signs every 2 to 4 hours. Prepare him for insertion of a new I.V. line or a peripherally inserted central catheter for medication administration. Consider removing existing venous access lines because they may be contaminated. […] Continually check the patient’s SpO2. Monitor him for a worsened or returning fever and assess for signs and symptoms of heart failure, such as dyspnea, orthopnea, and crackles. Also perform multisystem assessments to identify systemic embolization that may occur in the brain, spleen, bowel, extremities, or kidneys. […] Before discharge, teach him the importance of checking with his primary care provider about taking prophylactic antibiotics before dental work or procedures that involve the respiratory, genitourinary, or gastrointestinal tract. Also tell him to notify his dentist and all other health care providers about his condition.

• #1 Endocarditis NCLEX Review

  https://www.registerednursern.com/endocarditis-nclex-review/

  Administered IV antibioticstype of antibiotics depends on the pathogen causing the problem […] Educate the patient about: […] inform other healthcare practitioners about history of endocarditis because they are at risk for it again and will need prophylactic antibiotics prior to invasive procedures (especially dental procedures). […] how to take or administer antibiotics (complete all doses) […] monitor central line site and how to care for it […] good oral care.

• #1 Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Endocarditis | Free NURSING.com Courses

  https://nursing.com/lesson/nursing-care-plan-for-endocarditis

  Administer and Monitor Anticoagulant Therapy: The provider may order anticoagulant therapy to prevent further collection of platelets or clots around the valves and to prevent major complications from emboli. […] Educate patient on s/s infection: Endocarditis is an infectious process, therefore infection control is imperative. They need to be taught hand hygiene as well as other infection precautions. They should also be taught s/s of infection to report to their provider. […] Educate patient to inform other providers before procedures: Because the patient is at high risk for recurrence and complications, its important that they notify other providers of their history of endocarditis. They may require prophylactic antibiotics prior to any invasive procedures and they should avoid dental procedures for at least 6 months after their hospitalization.

• #1

  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/endocarditis/treatment/

  Most cases of endocarditis can be treated with a course of antibiotics. You’ll usually have to be admitted to hospital so the antibiotics can be given through a drip in your arm (intravenously). […] If your symptoms are severe, you may be prescribed a mixture of different antibiotics before getting the result of the blood sample. This is a precautionary measure to prevent your symptoms becoming worse. […] While you’re in hospital, regular blood samples will be taken to see how well the treatment is working. […] Once your fever and any severe symptoms subside, you may be able to leave hospital and continue receiving antibiotics at home by a drip (IV). […] If you’re receiving antibiotics at home, you should have regular appointments with a nurse and your GP to check that the treatment is working and you’re not experiencing any side effects.

• #1 Connected care for endocarditis and heart failure patients: a hospital-at-home programme

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9123121/

  We tested the feasibility of combining the budgets of a teaching hospital and home care group for cardiology. […] The hospital-at-home programme for endocarditis and heart failure treatment was developed and a virtual ward was built within the epatient record. […] From the clinical perspective, ambulatory intravenous antibiotic and diuretic treatment at home was effective in safely achieving a reduced length of stay of 847 days in endocarditis patients and 201 days in heart-failure-at-home patients. […] The endocarditis-at-home protocols are merged with already existing local antibiotic-at-home treatments. […] The heart-failure-at home protocols were specifically developed for frail end-stage heart failure patients in need of intravenous (i.v.) diuretics twice a day. […] The general practitioner is notified when endocarditis or heart failure patients have finished their i.v. treatment at home and are discharged from the virtual ward.

• #1 Discharge Instructions for Infective Endocarditis (IE) | Saint Luke’s Health System

  https://www.saintlukeskc.org/health-library/discharge-instructions-infective-endocarditis-ie

  You have been diagnosed with infective endocarditis (IE). This is an infection of the lining of the heart or of the heart valves. […] This is a very serious infection and can be life-threatening if not properly managed and cared for. […] You may need to continue IV therapy for up to 6 weeks at home. […] Your healthcare team will determine how long you should be on antibiotics (or other medicines) and how often you should have follow-up testing. […] Take the antibiotics until they are all gone. […] They treat the infection and prevent it from returning. […] Take good care of your teeth and mouth. […] Dental infection is a risk factor for bacterial endocarditis. […] Make a follow-up appointment as directed. […] You will need to follow up with an infectious disease doctor as well as a cardiologist and possibly a heart surgeon.

• #1 Endocarditis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16957-endocarditis

  By practicing good oral hygiene habits every day, you can reduce your risk of bacterial endocarditis. Good oral health is generally more effective in reducing your risk of bacterial endocarditis than taking preventive antibiotics before certain procedures. […] Endocarditis can happen more than once. You’ll need to do your part to make sure you recover from endocarditis and stay well. […] Contact your provider if you have symptoms of an infection. Don’t wait a few days until you have a major infection to seek treatment. […] With aggressive treatment, most people recover from endocarditis. Know the symptoms of endocarditis and contact your healthcare provider right away if you think you have it. Taking good care of your teeth and mouth can lower your risk of endocarditis.

• #1 Infective Endocarditis | American Heart Association

  https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/infective-endocarditis

  Infective endocarditis (IE) is when there is inflammation of the inner lining of the heart or heart valves. This is often caused by bacteria, which can be called bacterial endocarditis. IE is uncommon, but people with some conditions have a greater risk of developing it. […] Adults with the highest risk for poor outcomes from IE may be prescribed antibiotics (IE prophylaxis) before certain dental procedures to reduce their risk of developing it. […] Antibiotic prophylaxis is reasonable before the above-mentioned dental procedures for people with heart conditions who have any of the following: Prosthetic heart valve or prosthetic material used for heart valve repair, Previous IE, Certain congenital heart diseases (CHD) – Your cardiologist will let you know if your CHD requires use of antibiotics, Heart transplant recipients who develop heart valve disease. […] Your health care team can provide you with more information and answer your questions about preventing IE.

• #1

  https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=ut2760

  In the future, you may have to take antibiotics before certain medical, dental, or surgical procedures. Ask your doctor or dentist about this, and do not have any of these procedures without talking to your doctor or dentist first. Your doctor can give you a card to carry in your wallet which states that you need preventive antibiotics before certain procedures. […] Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth daily and by visiting a dentist twice each year. Make sure your dentist knows that you have had endocarditis.

• #1 Endocarditis Infection – Brigham and Women’s Hospital

  https://www.brighamandwomens.org/heart-and-vascular-center/diseases-and-conditions/endocarditis

  The day of surgery, you care will be provided by surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses who specialize in surgery for patients with endocarditis. After surgery, you will go to the post-surgical care unit where you will receive comprehensive care by an experienced surgical and nursing staff. […] Patients benefit from the teamwork of medical cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, cardiovascular imaging experts and radiologists, and anesthesiologists, all experts in endocarditis. They work alongside nurses, physician assistants, physical therapists, dietitians and social workers to achieve outstanding outcomes for our patients.

• #1 Infective Endocarditis: A Case Series – Journal of Cardiac Critical Care TSS

  https://jcardcritcare.org/infective-endocarditis-a-case-series/

  Infective endocarditis (IE) is an infection of the endocardial surface of the heart. The incidence of IE worldwide is approximately 3 to 10 per 100,000 people annually. Twenty percent of patients die during the hospital stay, and the mortality may reach 25 to 30% six months postinfection. […] Both prosthetic endocarditis and native valve endocarditis can be treated successfully with antimicrobial agents and surgery (when indicated). A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose IE caused by fungus and atypical bacteria. […] The management of IE requires multidisciplinary approach with inputs from cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, intensivists, and infectious disease specialists. Antibiotic therapy should be started on the empirical basis soon after obtaining blood cultures, but a clinician can wait for culture results if the patient is clinically stable. […] Both PVE and NVE can be treated successfully with antimicrobial agents and surgery (when indicated). A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose IE caused by fungus and atypical bacteria.

• #1 Pediatric Endocarditis Symptoms & Treatment | Lurie Children’s

  https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/specialties-conditions/endocarditis/

  Endocarditis is inflammation of the endocardium (the thin layer of tissue cells lining the inner surface of the heart muscle and valves). The inflammation is caused by organisms (such as bacteria, yeast or fungi) that attach themselves to the endocardium, usually on the heart valves, leading to growth and destruction of the lining and damage to the valves. The amount of valve damage depends on the type of organism involved. […] Damage to the heart valve could mean the valves will not open or close normally. Usually, in endocarditis, the valves do not close properly or have holes within them due to the infection which causes leakage. These leaks mean that every time the heart pumps blood out, some of the blood leaks back into the heart through the damaged valve. In serious cases with severe leaking or regurgitation, the heart is unable to pump out enough blood to the body, causing the heart to work harder and can develop heart failure. In less severe cases, smaller amounts of leakiness occur and only cause the heart chambers to become enlarged.

• #1 2023 ESC Guidelines for the management of endocarditis

  https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Endocarditis-Guidelines

  The current guidelines have been developed to support healthcare professionals with the diagnosis and management of patients with infective endocarditis, an infrequent but oftentimes fatal disease that can present with multiple different clinical scenarios. […] Since then there have been multiple developments in the care of patients with infective endocarditis including refinements of the indications for antibiotic prophylaxis, improvements in diagnostic capabilities, establishment of endocarditis teams and heart valve centres, identification of patients eligible for outpatient antibiotic therapy, diagnosis and risk-stratification of patients suffering complications of endocarditis (in particular stroke), management of patients with transcatheter heart valve- and cardiac implantable electronic device-associated infective endocarditis, and patient-centred care during the acute and follow-up phases of this challenging disease. […] The current document should serve as a guide for clinicians involved in the diagnosis and management of infective endocarditis patients and should lead to improved outcomes for this serious disease.

• #1 Endocarditis > Fact Sheets > Yale Medicine

  https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/endocarditis

  Blood thinners. Noninfective endocarditis is usually treated with blood thinners to reduce the risk of blood clot formation. […] Surgery. Some patients may need surgery to replace or repair damaged heart valves or to remove implanted devices (e.g., a pacemaker or a cardioverter defibrillator) that are sites of infection. […] Because endocarditis is a life-threatening condition with a risk of serious complications, its essential that people who develop symptoms seek treatment right away. Early treatment can stop disease progression and limit damage to the heart and heart valves. […] Here at Yale we utilize a multidisciplinary care team model for endocarditis treatment which includes specialists from cardiothoracic surgery, infectious diseases, cardiology, and other departments and programs to provide personalized management recommendations, particularly for our patients living with addiction who have infectious complications.

• #1 Trends in infective endocarditis over two decades in a Thai tertiary care setting | Scientific Reports

  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-96609-z

  Along with the increasing age of patients with IE, there has been a significant rise in the prevalence of co-morbidities, including hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and cerebrovascular disease. […] The most common clinical finding in IE patients was an abnormal cardiac murmur, reported in 92.5%, followed by fever, present in 76.3%, and both remained consistent across the three studied periods. […] Our analysis demonstrated that the presentation with hypotension and the presence of severe valvular dysfunction or perforation were independently associated with the increased risk of in-hospital mortality. […] Despite prompt medical attention and early surgical intervention, the in-hospital mortality rates remain high.

• #1 Connected care for endocarditis and heart failure patients: a hospital-at-home programme

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9123121/

  From the clinical perspective, ambulatory i.v. antibiotic endocarditis and loop diuretic treatment at home using a standardised protocol is effective in safely achieving a mean reduced length of hospital stay of 847 and 201 days for endocarditis and heart failure, respectively. […] This initial doctor-driven programme with treatment at home for endocarditis patients provides insights into safe care at home, thereby reducing the length of stay by 25 days on average.

• #1 Infectious Endocarditis Clinic | BIDMC of Boston

  https://www.bidmc.org/centers-and-departments/cardiovascular-institute/cardiovascular-medicine/our-services/outpatient-cardiovascular-clinic/infectious-endocarditis-clinic

  Helping patients with IE protect their heart health. […] The Infectious Endocarditis Clinic provides patients with comprehensive services for the prevention and treatment of IE, and existing cardiovascular illnesses, including coronary artery disease, stroke and heart failure. […] Cardiologist Katherine Kentoffio, MD, and the clinic staff work closely with patients to reduce risk. They also collaborate with each persons care team including primary care providers, infectious disease specialists, and specialty pharmacists tailoring treatments and medications to improve outcomes.

• #2 Endocarditis – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endocarditis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352576

  Endocarditis is a life-threatening inflammation of the inner lining of the heart’s chambers and valves. This lining is called the endocardium. […] Without quick treatment, endocarditis can damage or destroy the heart valves. Treatments for endocarditis include medications and surgery. […] If you have symptoms of endocarditis, see your health care provider as soon as possible especially if you have a congenital heart defect or history of endocarditis. […] If you’re at risk of endocarditis, tell your health care providers. […] You can take the following steps to help prevent endocarditis: Know the signs and symptoms of endocarditis. See your health care provider immediately if you develop any symptoms of infection especially a fever that won’t go away, unexplained fatigue, any type of skin infection, or open cuts or sores that don’t heal properly. […] If you’re at high risk of endocarditis, the American Heart Association recommends taking antibiotics an hour before having any dental work done.

• #2 Endocarditis Practice Questions with Answers & NCLEX Reviewplay-sharp-fill

  https://simplenursing.com/endocarditis-nclex-practice-questions-review/

  Endocarditis occurs when bacteria and germs can enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart. The germs then stick to damaged heart valves or damaged heart tissue. Endocarditis is a life-threatening inflammation of the inner lining of the heart’s chambers and valves. […] Signs and symptoms of endocarditis can be memorized with this acronym: Clots in the heart & brain, Lung fluid (crackles), Overheated (fever), Too little Oxygen (low cardiac output). […] Causes of endocarditis include: Bacteria in the bloodstream (bacteremia), Congenital abnormalities in your heart, Faulty prosthetic heart valves, Untreated strep throat. […] Endocarditis treatments vary depending on the cause of the infection and how severe it is. Some treatments include: Antibiotics, Surgery (to remove damaged tissue from the heart), Valve repair or replacement.

• #2 Overview of management of infective endocarditis in adults – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-management-of-infective-endocarditis-in-adults

  IE should be suspected in patients with fever (with or without bacteremia) and/or relevant cardiac risk factors (prior IE, presence of a prosthetic valve or cardiac device, history of valvular or congenital heart disease) or noncardiac risk factors (intravenous drug use, indwelling intravenous lines or cardiac devices, or a recent dental or surgical procedure).

• #2 Infective Endocarditis | American Heart Association

  https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/infective-endocarditis

  Infective endocarditis (IE) is when there is inflammation of the inner lining of the heart or heart valves. This is often caused by bacteria, which can be called bacterial endocarditis. IE is uncommon, but people with some conditions have a greater risk of developing it. […] Adults with the highest risk for poor outcomes from IE may be prescribed antibiotics (IE prophylaxis) before certain dental procedures to reduce their risk of developing it. […] Antibiotic prophylaxis is reasonable before the above-mentioned dental procedures for people with heart conditions who have any of the following: Prosthetic heart valve or prosthetic material used for heart valve repair, Previous IE, Certain congenital heart diseases (CHD) – Your cardiologist will let you know if your CHD requires use of antibiotics, Heart transplant recipients who develop heart valve disease. […] Your health care team can provide you with more information and answer your questions about preventing IE.

• #2 Endocarditis | Conditions | UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals

  https://www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org/conditions/endocarditis

  Symptoms of endocarditis may develop slowly or come on suddenly. […] Infective endocarditis is treated with antibiotics that are initially administered intravenously while your child is in the hospital. […] Early treatment is usually successful. […] However, it is possible for heart failure to develop, and this risk increases the longer treatment is delayed. […] If heart failure occurs, your child may need surgery to repair or replace the affected heart valve. […] There also are a number of other complications that, although rare, can occur as a result of endocarditis, such as the development of blood clots, aneurysms, arrhythmia and jaundice.

• #2 Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Endocarditis and Pericarditis | Free NURSING.com Courses

  https://nursing.com/lesson/endocarditis-and-pericarditis

  Endocarditis is inflammation within the heart. The inner lining is inflamed. This is caused by bacteria that enter the bloodstream. This bacteria travels to the heart and causes infection and inflammation. […] Endocarditis assessment includes chest pain, heart murmurs, temperature and WBC, SpO2, signs and symptoms of heart failure, and embolic complications such as splinter hemorrhages in nail beds, Janeway lesions, and clubbing of fingers. […] Endocarditis therapeutic management includes IV antibiotics, oral hygiene, antiembolic stockings or SCDs, and possible anticoagulation. […] Patients will need prophylactic antibiotics before any invasive procedure. […] Oral hygiene is imperative. […] Monitor for signs and symptoms of infection and emboli.

• #2

  https://www.nursingcenter.com/journalarticle?Article_ID=3185058&Journal_ID=606913&Issue_ID=3185053

  Infective endocarditis is an infection of the endocardium caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. This may affect not only ventricular function, leading to heart failure, but also the valvular structures. […] Nurses must have a high index of suspicion for infective endocarditis when patients present with ongoing fatigue, fever, chills, malaise, a new murmur, stroke signs and symptoms, or congestive heart failure. […] When caring for a patient with suspected infective endocarditis, perform a comprehensive skin assessment. Splinter hemorrhages and petechia aren’t specific to infective endocarditis, while Osler’s nodes, Roth spots, and Janeway lesions are usually indicative of the disease. […] Infective endocarditis is a life-threatening disease that requires prompt assessment and treatment. Practitioners must examine all details of the history and physical exam to make the correct diagnostic and treatment choices when encountering these critically ill patients.

• #2 Endocarditis Interventions – Inflammatory Heart Conditions for Nursing RN

  https://www.picmonic.com/pathways/nursing/courses/standard/medical-surgical-nursing-pathophysiology-296/inflammatory-heart-conditions-1407/endocarditis-interventions_2169

  Endocarditis is an infection of endocardium affecting the endocardial layer of the heart and cardiac valves. Accurately identifying the causative organism is critical to successful treatment of endocarditis. Although completely eliminating the causative agent may take up to 6 weeks and relapses are common, immediate therapy is necessary to prevent further complications. Treatment interventions include IV antibiotics, anticoagulants, and good hygiene. […] Effective antibiotic therapy increases the prognosis of endocarditis. Since accurate identification of the causative agent is critical to successful treatment, blood cultures are collected to determine the exact organism. Patients with fungal endocarditis may benefit from early valve replacement followed by at least 6 weeks of antibiotic therapy.

• #2 Trends in infective endocarditis over two decades in a Thai tertiary care setting | Scientific Reports

  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-96609-z

  Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious condition with high morbidity and mortality. […] Initiating antibiotic therapy and performing timely surgery in indicated patients are crucial to preventing significant complications such as heart failure, stroke, systemic embolization, and sepsis/septic shock. […] The diagnosis of IE relies on clinical suspicion, reinforced by microbiological evidence and the identification of IE-related cardiac lesions through imaging techniques, with transthoracic echocardiography being the most commonly utilized worldwide. […] The objective of this study was to analyze the changes in clinical characteristics, echocardiography findings, microbial etiology, mortality rates, and outcomes of patients diagnosed with IE over a span of two decades in Thai patients.

• #2 Endocarditis in Dogs | VCA Animal Hospitals

  https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/endocarditis-in-dogs

  Endocarditis is treated with prolonged courses of antibiotics. These antibiotics are often continued for 46 months. The choice of antibiotics is often based on bacterial cultures, which can help determine the most effective antibiotic for a particular infection. Treatments may also be provided for supportive care of affected patients. These treatments may include pain medications (for joint pain), IV fluids (for dehydration), and medications to treat heart failure. […] Dogs are monitored throughout treatment, with chest X-rays, blood tests, and additional heart testing as indicated. […] Diagnosis is based upon how well your dog meets the diagnostic criteria for endocarditis, because there is no definitive „yes or no” test to determine whether he has endocarditis. If your dog has multiple findings consistent with endocarditis, this suggests a high likelihood of the condition and warrants treatment.

• #2 Endocarditis – Diagnosis & treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endocarditis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352582

  To diagnose endocarditis, a health care provider does a physical exam and asks questions about your medical history and symptoms. Tests are done to help confirm or rule out endocarditis. […] Many people with endocarditis are successfully treated with antibiotics. Sometimes, surgery may be needed to fix or replace damaged heart valves and clean up any remaining signs of the infection. […] High doses of antibiotics are used to treat endocarditis caused by bacteria. If you receive antibiotics, you’ll generally spend a week or more in the hospital so that care providers can determine if the treatment is working. […] Heart valve surgery may be needed to treat persistent endocarditis infections or to replace a damaged valve. Surgery is sometimes needed to treat endocarditis that’s caused by a fungal infection.

• #2

  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/endocarditis/treatment/

  Most cases of endocarditis can be treated with a course of antibiotics. You’ll usually have to be admitted to hospital so the antibiotics can be given through a drip in your arm (intravenously). […] If your symptoms are severe, you may be prescribed a mixture of different antibiotics before getting the result of the blood sample. This is a precautionary measure to prevent your symptoms becoming worse. […] While you’re in hospital, regular blood samples will be taken to see how well the treatment is working. […] Once your fever and any severe symptoms subside, you may be able to leave hospital and continue receiving antibiotics at home by a drip (IV). […] If you’re receiving antibiotics at home, you should have regular appointments with a nurse and your GP to check that the treatment is working and you’re not experiencing any side effects.

• #2 Heart Valves and Infective Endocarditis | American Heart Association

  https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease/heart-valve-problems-and-causes/heart-valves-and-infective-endocarditis

  Infective endocarditis (IE), also called bacterial endocarditis, is an infection caused by bacteria that enter the bloodstream and settle in the heart lining, a heart valve or a blood vessel. IE is uncommon, but people with some heart conditions have a greater risk of developing it. […] Treatment usually consists of IV antibiotics. The choice of antibiotic and the length of treatment is based on the type of infection causing the endocarditis. Surgery may be needed for mechanical complications or resistant organisms. […] Prevention for those at risk usually involves awareness of the risks, appropriate dental care and heart healthy habits.

• #2

  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/endocarditis/treatment/

  You’ll usually have to take antibiotics for 2 to 6 weeks. […] You may need surgery to repair damage to the heart. […] Surgery will usually be recommended if: your symptoms or test results suggest you have experienced heart failure, a serious condition where your heart’s not pumping blood around your body efficiently; you continue to have a high temperature (fever) despite treatment with antibiotics or antifungals; your endocarditis is caused by particularly aggressive fungi or drug-resistant bacteria; you experience 1 or more blood clots despite treatment with antibiotics or antifungals; you have an artificial (prosthetic) heart valve; the results of your echocardiogram suggest that a collection of pus (abscess) or an abnormal passageway (fistula) has developed inside your heart. […] The 3 main surgical procedures used to treat endocarditis are: repair of the damaged heart valve; replacement of the damaged heart valves with prosthetic ones during aortic valve replacement surgery; draining of any abscesses and repair of any fistulas that may have developed in the heart muscle.

• #2 caret_down icon

  https://www.spectrumhealth.org/services/heart-lung-and-vascular-care/heart-care-and-procedures/care-areas/clinical-cardiology/endocarditis

  Endocarditis is an infection of the heart valves which can cause severe illness if untreated. Spectrum Health uses a multidisciplinary approach of cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, infectious disease and neurologists to come up with the best care plan for patients. This plan can include antibiotic treatment or open heart surgery to replace the infected valve. […] Antibiotics can treat endocarditis in most cases. You may also need heart surgery to repair or replace heart valves or remove infected heart tissue. A cornerstone of Spectrum Healths heart and vascular care is cardiothoracic surgery. Our team of expert surgeons at the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center provide sophisticated techniques and unique lifesaving surgical solutions to deliver an outstanding patient experience. […] During this procedure a surgeon can repair or replace the mitral valve.

• #2 Infective endocarditis: too ill to be operated? | Critical Care | Full Text

  https://ccforum.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/cc1464

  The beneficial effect of surgery persists even in the presence of comorbidities; therefore the occurrence of other complications of IE, such as acute renal failure, is not a contraindication for valve replacement. […] There is a significant risk for postoperative neurologic deterioration or death in patients with a recent CNS complication of IE, therefore such an event is considered a relative contraindication for early cardiac surgery. […] Among patients treated with combined medical and surgical therapy, mortality was 35%, but increased 2.4-fold (84%) among medically-treated patients. […] Most importantly, the results of this study suggest that even in critically ill patients with complicated IE, prompt valve replacement may be life-saving, carrying an acceptable risk for mortality, comparable to the rate of in-hospital mortality in patients with severe sepsis. […] Until such data are obtained, clinical judgement is still the best tool in making decisions regarding the individual patient.

• #2 How to Prevent Cardiac Complications from Infective Endocarditis

  https://nursingcecentral.com/infective-endocarditis-complications/

  Infective endocarditis is an inflammatory process that involves the hearts inner lining. […] Without early treatment and diagnosis, infective endocarditis can lead to cardiac complications. Therefore, a thorough history and physical examination are imperative and can help in early diagnosis and timely treatment, eventually lowering death rates. […] Most people at increased risk of infective endocarditis receive antibiotic therapy before, after, and during invasive procedures to avoid the occurrence of bacteremia. […] Patients who have developed congestive heart failure with infective endocarditis need supportive oxygen therapy, and management of acute renal failure with dialysis may be required. […] Patients should be educated about early detection and prevention tips to prevent the occurrence of infective endocarditis.

• #2 5.13 Infective Endocarditis – Health Alterations

  https://wtcs.pressbooks.pub/healthalts/chapter/5-13-infective-endocarditis/

  Nursing diagnoses for clients with infective endocarditis guide nursing care. Examples of common nursing diagnoses are the following: […] Nursing interventions focus on safely administering prescribed medications, monitoring for complications, and managing pain. Nurses closely monitor for complications such as embolic events caused by vegetation, acute heart failure, and sepsis. Prescribed analgesics are safely administered if IE causes pain in locations such as the chest and joints. Nurses provide health teaching regarding the purpose of prescribed medications and signs of complications to promptly report to the health care provider. […] During the evaluation stage, nurses determine the effectiveness of nursing interventions for a specific client. The previously identified expected outcomes are reviewed to determine if they were met, partially met, or not met by the time frames indicated. If outcomes are not met or only partially met by the time frame indicated, the nursing care plan is revised. Evaluation should occur every time the nurse implements interventions with a client, reviews updated laboratory or diagnostic test results, or discusses the care plan with other members of the interprofessional team.

• #2 Nursing Care Plan For Endocarditis – Made For Medical

  https://www.madeformedical.com/nursing-care-plan-for-endocarditis/

  A thorough nursing assessment is essential for individuals with endocarditis to provide effective care, monitor their condition, and prevent complications. […] This nursing assessment provides a foundation for developing a holistic care plan for individuals with endocarditis. It allows healthcare professionals to understand the patients specific symptoms, tailor interventions, and work towards improving their overall health and quality of life while addressing the complexity of this cardiac condition. […] Nursing diagnoses for endocarditis are essential in guiding patient care and addressing the complex needs of individuals with this infectious condition. […] Effective care for individuals with endocarditis necessitates a patient-centered approach, with a focus on symptom management, prevention of complications, emotional support, and patient education.

• #2 Endocarditis Nursing Management – RNpedia

  https://www.rnpedia.com/nursing-notes/medical-surgical-nursing-notes/endocarditis-nursing-management/

  Endocarditis is an inflammation of the endocardium; it is usually limited to the membrane lining and the valves. […] Nursing Diagnosis: Decreased cardiac output secondary to valvular dysfunction from infective process. […] Nursing Interventions: Patient Monitoring. Monitor pulse pressure and central venous pressure hourly or more frequently if titrating pharmacologic agents. […] Patient Management: Provide supplemental oxygen at 2 to 4 L/min to maintain or improve oxygenation.

• #2 Endocarditis Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan – NurseStudy.Net

  https://nursestudy.net/endocarditis-nursing-diagnosis/

  Endocarditis is a serious infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves (endocardium). This nursing diagnosis focuses on identifying signs and symptoms, preventing complications, and providing comprehensive care for patients with endocarditis. […] Endocarditis presents various signs and symptoms that nurses must monitor for proper diagnosis and treatment. […] The following outcomes indicate successful management of endocarditis: The patient will remain free from complications. The patient will demonstrate improved cardiac function. The patient will maintain adequate tissue perfusion. The patient will complete the prescribed antibiotic therapy. The patient will demonstrate an understanding of prevention measures. The patient will maintain optimal nutritional status. The patient will show signs of infection resolution.

• #2 Endocarditis NCLEX Review

  https://www.registerednursern.com/endocarditis-nclex-review/

  Administered IV antibioticstype of antibiotics depends on the pathogen causing the problem […] Educate the patient about: […] inform other healthcare practitioners about history of endocarditis because they are at risk for it again and will need prophylactic antibiotics prior to invasive procedures (especially dental procedures). […] how to take or administer antibiotics (complete all doses) […] monitor central line site and how to care for it […] good oral care.

• #2

  https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=ut2760

  Bacterial endocarditis (say „en-doh-kar-DY-tus”) is an infection of the heart valves and inner lining of the heart chambers. It is caused by bacteria that enter the bloodstream and settle on one or more of the heart valves. This infection can damage the valves and the heart. Endocarditis can be very serious. […] Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It’s also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. […] If you are taking I.V. antibiotics at home with the help of a home health nurse, the nurse will teach you how to use the antibiotics and how to care for your I.V. catheter. Make sure you are comfortable using and caring for the I.V.

• #2 Connected care for endocarditis and heart failure patients: a hospital-at-home programme

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9123121/

  The endocarditis cohort comprised admitted stable endocarditis patients who were treated for at least 14 days following a negative blood culture with culture-driven high-dose i.v. antibiotics through a central venous line. […] The most frequent reasons for exclusion were an ongoing unstable sepsis course or local complications. […] The clinical efficacy outcomes in endocarditis at home are an uncomplicated clinical course during the remaining i.v. antibiotic treatment without local complications. […] This doctor-driven transmural connected care model, combining the workforce and budgets of a teaching hospital and primary home care group led to an efficient hospital-at-home treatment programme for i.v. endocarditis and heart failure treatment at home with satisfactory Quadruple Aim outcomes.

• #2 Connected care for endocarditis and heart failure patients: a hospital-at-home programme

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9123121/

  From the clinical perspective, ambulatory i.v. antibiotic endocarditis and loop diuretic treatment at home using a standardised protocol is effective in safely achieving a mean reduced length of hospital stay of 847 and 201 days for endocarditis and heart failure, respectively. […] This initial doctor-driven programme with treatment at home for endocarditis patients provides insights into safe care at home, thereby reducing the length of stay by 25 days on average.

• #2 Managing Your Endocarditis – Symptoms & Treatment | Carle.org

  https://carle.org/conditions/heart-and-vascular-conditions/endocarditis

  Intravenous antibiotics, usually given for 4 to 6 weeks, are used to get rid of the infection. A home health nurse will help with intravenous antibiotic treatment at home. […] Good dental hygiene is needed to prevent infection. […] DO call your health care provider if, after your treatment, you have fever, loss of appetite or weight gain without diet changes, blood in your urine, chest pain, shortness of breath, or sudden weakness in muscles of your face or limbs. […] DONT have dental work or surgical procedures without telling your health care provider of your history of endocarditis.

• #2 Endocarditis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16957-endocarditis

  By practicing good oral hygiene habits every day, you can reduce your risk of bacterial endocarditis. Good oral health is generally more effective in reducing your risk of bacterial endocarditis than taking preventive antibiotics before certain procedures. […] Endocarditis can happen more than once. You’ll need to do your part to make sure you recover from endocarditis and stay well. […] Contact your provider if you have symptoms of an infection. Don’t wait a few days until you have a major infection to seek treatment. […] With aggressive treatment, most people recover from endocarditis. Know the symptoms of endocarditis and contact your healthcare provider right away if you think you have it. Taking good care of your teeth and mouth can lower your risk of endocarditis.

• #2

  https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=ut2760

  In the future, you may have to take antibiotics before certain medical, dental, or surgical procedures. Ask your doctor or dentist about this, and do not have any of these procedures without talking to your doctor or dentist first. Your doctor can give you a card to carry in your wallet which states that you need preventive antibiotics before certain procedures. […] Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth daily and by visiting a dentist twice each year. Make sure your dentist knows that you have had endocarditis.

• #2 Dental Health and Endocarditis Prevention

  https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/endocarditis-prevention

  The new guidelines suggest preventive treatment for all patients with cardiac conditions listed above, but not for all dental procedures. […] Practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day; floss at least once daily; rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash at least once a day. Good oral and dental health is very important for patients at risk for endocarditis. […] Keep in mind that receiving antibiotics greatly lowers the risk of endocarditis. However, it is not a guarantee.

• #2 Endocarditis Information | Mount Sinai – New York

  https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/endocarditis

  There is evidence of more severe organ damage (such as heart damage). […] Getting treatment for endocarditis right away improves the chances of a good outcome. […] The American Heart Association recommends preventive antibiotics for people at risk for infectious endocarditis, such as those with: […] Certain birth defects of the heart […] Heart transplant and valve problems […] Prosthetic heart valves (heart valves inserted by a surgeon) […] Past history of endocarditis.

• #2 Dental Health and Endocarditis Prevention

  https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/endocarditis-prevention

  Endocarditis is a rare, life-threatening inflammation of the lining of the heart muscle and its valves. It is caused by a bacterial infection. Although it can occur in anyone, it is much more common in people with certain heart conditions and in those who’ve had it before. If your risk is high, you can take steps to lower it. […] Because this is so rare, the new guidelines suggest antibiotics prior to dental procedures only for patients who are at highest risk for serious complications from endocarditis. In fact, in most cases, the risk of problems from antibiotics exceeds the benefits from preventive antibiotics. These attract blood products that may lead to clots. […] To prevent endocarditis, patients with certain heart conditions receive a single dose of an antibiotic. You receive it about one hour prior to certain dental treatments.

• #2 Bacterial Endocarditis: Care Instructions | Kaiser Permanente

  https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.bacterial-endocarditis-care-instructions.ut2760

  Bacterial endocarditis (say „en-doh-kar-DY-tus”) is an infection of the heart valves and inner lining of the heart chambers. It is caused by bacteria that enter the bloodstream and settle on one or more of the heart valves. This infection can damage the valves and the heart. Endocarditis can be very serious. […] Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It’s also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. […] If you are taking I.V. antibiotics at home with the help of a home health nurse, the nurse will teach you how to use the antibiotics and how to care for your I.V. catheter. Make sure you are comfortable using and caring for the I.V. […] In the future, you may have to take antibiotics before certain medical, dental, or surgical procedures. Ask your doctor or dentist about this. Do not have any of these procedures without talking to your doctor or dentist first. Your doctor can give you a card to carry in your wallet which states that you need preventive antibiotics before certain procedures. […] Practice good oral hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth daily. Visit a dentist twice each year. Make sure your dentist knows that you have had endocarditis.

• #2 Endocarditis – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499844/

  If associated complications like heart failure are present, appropriate therapy including diuretics and reducing agents can aid in the treatment. […] Surgical intervention for infective endocarditis is recommended in cases of the severe aortic valve, mitral valve or prosthetic valve involvement with intractable heart failure. […] The key is to make a prompt diagnosis and start antibiotic treatment. […] The interprofessional team should follow every patient with endocarditis to ensure that optimal care is provided. […] Even with optimal treatment, endocarditis is associated with high morbidity and mortality.

• #2 Endocarditis > Fact Sheets > Yale Medicine

  https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/endocarditis

  Blood thinners. Noninfective endocarditis is usually treated with blood thinners to reduce the risk of blood clot formation. […] Surgery. Some patients may need surgery to replace or repair damaged heart valves or to remove implanted devices (e.g., a pacemaker or a cardioverter defibrillator) that are sites of infection. […] Because endocarditis is a life-threatening condition with a risk of serious complications, its essential that people who develop symptoms seek treatment right away. Early treatment can stop disease progression and limit damage to the heart and heart valves. […] Here at Yale we utilize a multidisciplinary care team model for endocarditis treatment which includes specialists from cardiothoracic surgery, infectious diseases, cardiology, and other departments and programs to provide personalized management recommendations, particularly for our patients living with addiction who have infectious complications.

• #2 2023 ESC Guidelines for the management of endocarditis

  https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Endocarditis-Guidelines

  The current guidelines have been developed to support healthcare professionals with the diagnosis and management of patients with infective endocarditis, an infrequent but oftentimes fatal disease that can present with multiple different clinical scenarios. […] Since then there have been multiple developments in the care of patients with infective endocarditis including refinements of the indications for antibiotic prophylaxis, improvements in diagnostic capabilities, establishment of endocarditis teams and heart valve centres, identification of patients eligible for outpatient antibiotic therapy, diagnosis and risk-stratification of patients suffering complications of endocarditis (in particular stroke), management of patients with transcatheter heart valve- and cardiac implantable electronic device-associated infective endocarditis, and patient-centred care during the acute and follow-up phases of this challenging disease. […] The current document should serve as a guide for clinicians involved in the diagnosis and management of infective endocarditis patients and should lead to improved outcomes for this serious disease.

• #2 Pediatric Endocarditis Symptoms & Treatment | Lurie Children’s

  https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/specialties-conditions/endocarditis/

  If the cause is a bacterial infection, it needs to be treated with antibiotics. Due to the seriousness of the infection, patients with endocarditis are usually hospitalized. The antibiotics are usually given intravenously at the start of treatment and may sometimes be given by mouth later. The duration and method of treatment (oral or IV) depends on the exact type of bacteria, the status of the heart, the ability of the patient to take medication, and other factors. The cure of the infection is especially important to try to minimize damage to the valve. If the cause is a fungus, an antifungal drug will be used. […] If there is significant leakiness of the valves, medicines may be given to make the heart pump better and reduce the blood pressure, so the heart doesn’t have to work as hard. If the valve leakiness is very severe, surgery may be needed to fix or replace the valve. If the infection is in an artificial valve, it may have to be replaced to treat the infection. If severe heart rhythm abnormalities occur, and cause heart block, a pacemaker may be needed.

• #2 Infective Endocarditis: A Case Series – Journal of Cardiac Critical Care TSS

  https://jcardcritcare.org/infective-endocarditis-a-case-series/

  Infective endocarditis (IE) is an infection of the endocardial surface of the heart. The incidence of IE worldwide is approximately 3 to 10 per 100,000 people annually. Twenty percent of patients die during the hospital stay, and the mortality may reach 25 to 30% six months postinfection. […] Both prosthetic endocarditis and native valve endocarditis can be treated successfully with antimicrobial agents and surgery (when indicated). A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose IE caused by fungus and atypical bacteria. […] The management of IE requires multidisciplinary approach with inputs from cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, intensivists, and infectious disease specialists. Antibiotic therapy should be started on the empirical basis soon after obtaining blood cultures, but a clinician can wait for culture results if the patient is clinically stable. […] Both PVE and NVE can be treated successfully with antimicrobial agents and surgery (when indicated). A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose IE caused by fungus and atypical bacteria.

• #2 Pediatric Endocarditis Symptoms & Treatment | Lurie Children’s

  https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/specialties-conditions/endocarditis/

  Endocarditis is inflammation of the endocardium (the thin layer of tissue cells lining the inner surface of the heart muscle and valves). The inflammation is caused by organisms (such as bacteria, yeast or fungi) that attach themselves to the endocardium, usually on the heart valves, leading to growth and destruction of the lining and damage to the valves. The amount of valve damage depends on the type of organism involved. […] Damage to the heart valve could mean the valves will not open or close normally. Usually, in endocarditis, the valves do not close properly or have holes within them due to the infection which causes leakage. These leaks mean that every time the heart pumps blood out, some of the blood leaks back into the heart through the damaged valve. In serious cases with severe leaking or regurgitation, the heart is unable to pump out enough blood to the body, causing the heart to work harder and can develop heart failure. In less severe cases, smaller amounts of leakiness occur and only cause the heart chambers to become enlarged.

• #2 Infectious endocarditis in the intensive care unit | Medicina Intensiva

  https://medintensiva.org/en-endocarditis-infecciosa-unidad-medicina-intensiva-articulo-resumen-S2173572712001191

  The causes indicating intensive care were predominantly severe sepsis or septic shock and severe heart failure or cardiogenic shock. […] The mortality predictor scores (SAPS II, APACHE II, SOFA) upon admission to hospital were also higher in the case of admission to the ICU. […] The in-hospital mortality rate reached 42.1% in the ICU versus 18.8% among the patients not admitted to Intensive Care. […] Independent predictors of in-hospital mortality are infection caused by S. aureus, the development of heart failure, cerebral embolism and the SAPS II score upon admission.

• #2 Endocarditis: Symptoms & Treatment | Mass General Brigham

  https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/patient-care/services-and-specialties/heart/conditions/endocarditis

  Maintaining good oral hygiene, which includes brushing and flossing and keeping up with regular dental appointments, is one way to prevent endocarditis. […] Anyone with a history of endocarditis or other heart disease should contact their doctor immediately if they experience any symptoms related to endocarditis, especially fatigue or fever.

• #2 Endocarditis Treatment Specialists | Leading NJ Doctors | ID Care

  https://idcare.com/infection/endocarditis/

  Endocarditis is an inflammation of your heart’s inner lining. Most times, it occurs when bacteria, fungi, or other pathogens enter the heart after traveling through the bloodstream from another part of the body — some strains enter the body almost exclusively through the mouth. While bacterial endocarditis is rare in healthy hearts, you are at a higher risk of developing this infection if you have certain heart defects, artificial heart valves, a severe case of mitral valve prolapse, or abnormal or damaged heart valves. Bacterial endocarditis can damage the heart valves, and if left untreated, can be life-threatening. […] Like most infectious diseases, the earlier you seek and receive the right treatment — from the right specialists — the better your outcome will be. At ID Care, our physicians will design your treatment based on your test results to ensure you receive the most effective option for you. Most treatments for endocarditis involve high-dose intravenous (IV) antibiotics — which you have convenient access to every day of the year. Some individuals may need surgery, and if this applies to you, we will refer you to one of our affiliated hospitals.

• #2 Native-valve endocarditis detected by point-of-care echocardiography | The Ultrasound Journal | Full Text

  https://theultrasoundjournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s13089-022-00294-2

  Infective endocarditis carries a high morbidity and mortality; therefore, a rapid diagnosis and timely treatment is crucial to improve outcomes. […] Point-of-care echocardiogram has a pivotal role in diagnosis and decision-making of infective endocarditis. […] Early detection and timely treatment are pivotal, for which point-of-care echocardiogram (TTE at first instance, and then TEE) has a critical role.

• #3 Infective endocarditis: too ill to be operated? | Critical Care | Full Text

  https://ccforum.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/cc1464

  Infective endocarditis remains a disease associated with high mortality in certain groups of patients, with death resulting primarily from central nervous system complications and congestive heart failure. […] Combined medical and surgical therapy reduces both early and late mortality in complicated cases, especially in patients with valvular dysfunction related to heart failure. […] There are several consensus indications for surgery during active IE: refractory congestive heart failure and physiologically significant valve dysfunction demonstrated by echocardiography; uncontrolled infection; ineffective antimicrobial therapy and perivalvular extension of infection; most cases of prosthetic valve endocarditis; and resection of mycotic aneurysm. […] Congestive heart failure has remained the strongest indication for surgery in IE.

• #3 Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Endocarditis | Free NURSING.com Courses

  https://nursing.com/lesson/nursing-care-plan-for-endocarditis

  Nursing Interventions and Prevention: Discuss nursing interventions for patients with endocarditis, emphasizing the importance of infection prevention strategies, patient education, and collaborative care to improve outcomes and prevent complications. […] Assess Heart Sounds: Patients with endocarditis may develop valve disorders listen for heart murmurs or extra sounds. […] Assess and Address Oral Hygiene: There is a significant connection between oral health and pericarditis. Bacteria can travel to the heart easily from the oral cavity. Patients should brush their teeth twice daily to prevent complications. […] Administer IV Antibiotics: Endocarditis is almost always a bacterial source, therefore, IV antibiotics will be required to treat the infection. Be sure to obtain blood cultures prior to initiating antibiotics.

• #3 Endocarditis Interventions – Inflammatory Heart Conditions for Nursing RN

  https://www.picmonic.com/pathways/nursing/courses/standard/medical-surgical-nursing-pathophysiology-296/inflammatory-heart-conditions-1407/endocarditis-interventions_2169

  Antibiotic therapy may take 4-6 weeks to completely eradicate the infecting organism. Subsequent blood cultures are collected to determine the effectiveness of therapy. […] Anticoagulant therapy decreases the risk of thrombus formation. Blood stasis found in patients with a low ejection fraction especially benefit from anticoagulant medications. […] Good hygiene is critical for preventing infections that may lead to endocarditis. Teach the patient about the importance of daily oral hygiene and regular dental visits to prevent infections. Instruct the patient to avoid people with an infection and to report symptoms of cold, flu, or cough to the healthcare provider. […] Endocarditis has a high likelihood for recurrent infection and complications. Monitoring the patient is critical to determine the need for additional treatment or medication.

• #3 How to Prevent Cardiac Complications from Infective Endocarditis

  https://nursingcecentral.com/infective-endocarditis-complications/

  Ensure that patients and their caregivers understand all medications, including their dose, action, route, adverse effects, and precautions. […] Compel your patients to take their body temperature daily at the same time and take antipyretics as directed by the physician. Patients should report any signs of heart failure and embolization along with chills, fatigue, fever, weight loss, or malaise.

• #3 Discharge Instructions for Infective Endocarditis (IE) | Saint Luke’s Health System

  https://www.saintlukeskc.org/health-library/discharge-instructions-infective-endocarditis-ie

  You have been diagnosed with infective endocarditis (IE). This is an infection of the lining of the heart or of the heart valves. […] This is a very serious infection and can be life-threatening if not properly managed and cared for. […] You may need to continue IV therapy for up to 6 weeks at home. […] Your healthcare team will determine how long you should be on antibiotics (or other medicines) and how often you should have follow-up testing. […] Take the antibiotics until they are all gone. […] They treat the infection and prevent it from returning. […] Take good care of your teeth and mouth. […] Dental infection is a risk factor for bacterial endocarditis. […] Make a follow-up appointment as directed. […] You will need to follow up with an infectious disease doctor as well as a cardiologist and possibly a heart surgeon.

• #3 Dental Health and Endocarditis Prevention

  https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/endocarditis-prevention

  The new guidelines suggest preventive treatment for all patients with cardiac conditions listed above, but not for all dental procedures. […] Practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day; floss at least once daily; rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash at least once a day. Good oral and dental health is very important for patients at risk for endocarditis. […] Keep in mind that receiving antibiotics greatly lowers the risk of endocarditis. However, it is not a guarantee.

• #3 Dental Health and Endocarditis Prevention

  https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/endocarditis-prevention

  Endocarditis is a rare, life-threatening inflammation of the lining of the heart muscle and its valves. It is caused by a bacterial infection. Although it can occur in anyone, it is much more common in people with certain heart conditions and in those who’ve had it before. If your risk is high, you can take steps to lower it. […] Because this is so rare, the new guidelines suggest antibiotics prior to dental procedures only for patients who are at highest risk for serious complications from endocarditis. In fact, in most cases, the risk of problems from antibiotics exceeds the benefits from preventive antibiotics. These attract blood products that may lead to clots. […] To prevent endocarditis, patients with certain heart conditions receive a single dose of an antibiotic. You receive it about one hour prior to certain dental treatments.

• #3 Infective endocarditis – Avoiding infective endocarditis | Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust

  https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/health-information/infective-endocarditis/avoiding-infective-endocarditis

  Specific dental treatments (such as scaling, extractions, or oral surgery) might increase the risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream and causing infective endocarditis. […] Maintaining excellent oral health and hygiene is essential to help prevent infective endocarditis. […] You should discuss with your cardiologist if you should have antibiotics before invasive dental procedures (such as extractions, scaling, or procedures that involve manipulating or cutting the gums). […] You should have been issued with an endocarditis alert card. The card explains the antibiotics you need to take. You should show this to your doctor, dentist or healthcare professional before you have any treatment (especially dental). […] Smoking is a significant risk factor for gum disease and heart disease. […] There is a possible link between physical activity, stress management, and dietary habits on your gum health.

• #3 Endocarditis Interventions – Inflammatory Heart Conditions for Nursing RN

  https://www.picmonic.com/pathways/nursing/courses/standard/medical-surgical-nursing-pathophysiology-296/inflammatory-heart-conditions-1407/endocarditis-interventions_2169

  Patients diagnosed with endocarditis will receive antibiotic prophylaxis for the remainder of their lives to decrease the risk of bacterial infection. Antibiotics are prescribed before undergoing dental or invasive procedures. […] Patients with certain heart conditions undergoing dental procedures require antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent endocarditis. […] Patients with certain heart conditions undergoing invasive procedures require prophylactic antibiotic therapy to prevent endocarditis. Inform the patient about the importance of antibiotic prophylaxis before invasive procedures, such as catheterization, cystoscopy, endoscopy, and surgery.

• #3 2023 ESC Guidelines for the management of endocarditis

  https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Endocarditis-Guidelines

  The current guidelines have been developed to support healthcare professionals with the diagnosis and management of patients with infective endocarditis, an infrequent but oftentimes fatal disease that can present with multiple different clinical scenarios. […] Since then there have been multiple developments in the care of patients with infective endocarditis including refinements of the indications for antibiotic prophylaxis, improvements in diagnostic capabilities, establishment of endocarditis teams and heart valve centres, identification of patients eligible for outpatient antibiotic therapy, diagnosis and risk-stratification of patients suffering complications of endocarditis (in particular stroke), management of patients with transcatheter heart valve- and cardiac implantable electronic device-associated infective endocarditis, and patient-centred care during the acute and follow-up phases of this challenging disease. […] The current document should serve as a guide for clinicians involved in the diagnosis and management of infective endocarditis patients and should lead to improved outcomes for this serious disease.

• #3 Infective Endocarditis: A Case Series – Journal of Cardiac Critical Care TSS

  https://jcardcritcare.org/infective-endocarditis-a-case-series/

  Infective endocarditis (IE) is an infection of the endocardial surface of the heart. The incidence of IE worldwide is approximately 3 to 10 per 100,000 people annually. Twenty percent of patients die during the hospital stay, and the mortality may reach 25 to 30% six months postinfection. […] Both prosthetic endocarditis and native valve endocarditis can be treated successfully with antimicrobial agents and surgery (when indicated). A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose IE caused by fungus and atypical bacteria. […] The management of IE requires multidisciplinary approach with inputs from cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, intensivists, and infectious disease specialists. Antibiotic therapy should be started on the empirical basis soon after obtaining blood cultures, but a clinician can wait for culture results if the patient is clinically stable. […] Both PVE and NVE can be treated successfully with antimicrobial agents and surgery (when indicated). A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose IE caused by fungus and atypical bacteria.

• #3 Pediatric Endocarditis Symptoms & Treatment | Lurie Children’s

  https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/specialties-conditions/endocarditis/

  If the cause is a bacterial infection, it needs to be treated with antibiotics. Due to the seriousness of the infection, patients with endocarditis are usually hospitalized. The antibiotics are usually given intravenously at the start of treatment and may sometimes be given by mouth later. The duration and method of treatment (oral or IV) depends on the exact type of bacteria, the status of the heart, the ability of the patient to take medication, and other factors. The cure of the infection is especially important to try to minimize damage to the valve. If the cause is a fungus, an antifungal drug will be used. […] If there is significant leakiness of the valves, medicines may be given to make the heart pump better and reduce the blood pressure, so the heart doesn’t have to work as hard. If the valve leakiness is very severe, surgery may be needed to fix or replace the valve. If the infection is in an artificial valve, it may have to be replaced to treat the infection. If severe heart rhythm abnormalities occur, and cause heart block, a pacemaker may be needed.

• #3 Infective endocarditis: too ill to be operated? | Critical Care | Full Text

  https://ccforum.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/cc1464

  The beneficial effect of surgery persists even in the presence of comorbidities; therefore the occurrence of other complications of IE, such as acute renal failure, is not a contraindication for valve replacement. […] There is a significant risk for postoperative neurologic deterioration or death in patients with a recent CNS complication of IE, therefore such an event is considered a relative contraindication for early cardiac surgery. […] Among patients treated with combined medical and surgical therapy, mortality was 35%, but increased 2.4-fold (84%) among medically-treated patients. […] Most importantly, the results of this study suggest that even in critically ill patients with complicated IE, prompt valve replacement may be life-saving, carrying an acceptable risk for mortality, comparable to the rate of in-hospital mortality in patients with severe sepsis. […] Until such data are obtained, clinical judgement is still the best tool in making decisions regarding the individual patient.

• #3 Connected care for endocarditis and heart failure patients: a hospital-at-home programme

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9123121/

  From the clinical perspective, ambulatory i.v. antibiotic endocarditis and loop diuretic treatment at home using a standardised protocol is effective in safely achieving a mean reduced length of hospital stay of 847 and 201 days for endocarditis and heart failure, respectively. […] This initial doctor-driven programme with treatment at home for endocarditis patients provides insights into safe care at home, thereby reducing the length of stay by 25 days on average.

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