RETROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF CLINICAL, LABORATORY, AND ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC PARAMETERS OF INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS IN CHILDREN

Tavli V., ŞAYLAN ÇEVİK B., Saritas T., Mese T.

GAZI MEDICAL JOURNAL, vol.20, no.2, pp.51-54, 2009 (ESCI, Scopus, TRDizin) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 20 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2009
  • Journal Name: GAZI MEDICAL JOURNAL
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.51-54
  • Bezmialem Vakıf University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Purpose: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare infection in children with congenital heart disease. The aim of this study was to define clinical suspicion as the most important criterion for its early diagnosis and treatment. Method: Patients aged 8 months-14 years (mean 4.2 perpendicular to 0.9) supposed to have infective endocarditis between January 2003 and July 2005 were included in the study. They were analyzed using the Duke criteria. Clinical and laboratory results, blood cultures, and echocardiographic findings were evaluated retrospectively. None of the patients had undergone dental or surgical procedures. Results: In our series, 14.3% of the cultures were positive for coagulase positive Staphylococcus aureus. Using the Duke criteria, only 14.2% patients had definite IE, while the others had possible IE. Conclusion: The Duke criteria for the diagnosis of IE are relevant only for some patients. Clinical suspicion must be the most important step in the early diagnosis and treatment.