Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis: An Overview

What it is

Subacute bacterial endocarditis is different from acute bacterial endocarditis in that they are caused by different bacteria. Another difference is that subacute bacterial endocarditis typically attacks damaged heart valves, while the acute form attacks healthy heart valves. Both forms of endocarditis are infective.

Causes

This form of bacterial endocarditis is infective and is caused by multiplying bacteria that attack the heart and/or form clots that can cause blockages in arteries.

Research has also shown that there is a correlation between bacterial endocarditis and certain dental procedures, certain GI procedures, IV drug use and certain respiratory procedures.

Risk Factors

Things that may increase the risk for bacterial endocarditis are having a history of it, having a staph or fungal infection and having a shunt or prosthetic valve. There is no research to indicate race or gender play a role, though age can be a factor. Bacterial endocarditis is typically found in adults, though children with central indwelling venous catheters or congenital heart disease can be susceptible.

Signs and Symptoms

Some of the signs and symptoms include fever, heart murmur and a neurological abnormality such as stroke, and hemorrhage (intracerebral or subarachnoid). Other symptoms and signs include acute heart failure, hepatosplenomegaly and renal insufficiency.

Other signs and symptoms can include chills, fatigue, shortness of breath, cough, unexplained weight loss and achiness in the joints and muscles.

Diagnosis

To diagnoses bacterial endocarditis, several things may be used:

• Medical history (risk factors and prior bacterial endocarditis)
• Blood tests
• Echocardiogram
• Evaluation of signs and symptoms

The results of these tests can help the physician determine if the patient has bacterial endocarditis and what treatment options may be best.

Treatments

Treatment for bacterial endocarditis will depend on several factors, but the most common treatments used include drugs such as penicillin or ampicillin, surgical treatment, and antimicrobial agents such as antibiotics.

Prevention

There are several things that can be done to help reduce the risk for developing bacterial endocarditis. One of them is to take good care of teeth and gums, and to follow dental directions following procedures such as root canal, extractions and implants. Be sure to get any sign of infection or slow healing checked out immediately.

Another thing that can be done is to avoid things that may increase the risk of skin infections such as tattoos and piercings.

Any cut or wound that becomes infected or does not seem to heal normally should be examined by a physician as soon as possible.

Summary

Subacute bacterial endocarditis is a treatable condition. Those who are at the highest risk for developing it need to use extra care in maintaining their health and avoiding or promptly treating infections in order to help prevent it.

References

Bacterial Endocarditis. Brian Keith Eble, MD; Gerardo Reyes, MD. November 13, 2009. eMedicine/WebMD. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/896540-overview

Endocarditis. Mayo Clinic Staff. April 13, 2009. https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/endocarditis/DS00409/DSECTION=symptoms