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Source: Veverka A, Odle BL, Kyle JA. Infective endocarditis. In: DiPiro JT, Talbert RL, Yee GC, Matzke GR, Wells BG, Posey LM, eds. Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach. 10th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2017. http://accesspharmacy.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=1861§ionid=134126226. Accessed January 10, 2017.
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Inflammation of endocardium, membrane lining chambers of heart and covering cusps of heart valves.
Infective endocarditis (IE) refers to infection of heart valves by microorganisms, primarily bacteria.
Acute bacterial endocarditis is fulminating infection associated with high fevers, systemic toxicity, and death within days to weeks if untreated.
Subacute infectious endocarditis a more indolent infection, usually occurring in setting of prior valvular heart disease.
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Presence of prosthetic valve (highest risk)
Previous endocarditis (highest risk)
Healthcare-related exposure (high risk)
Congenital heart disease.
Chronic intravenous access.
Acquired valvular dysfunction.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Mitral valve prolapse with regurgitation.
Cardiac implantable device.
Chronic heart failure.
Age >50 years.
History of IV drug abuse.
Diabetes.
Long-term hemodialysis.
Poor dental hygiene.
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CLINICAL PRESENTATION
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