Pediatric Bioprosthetic Valve Bacterial Endocarditis - Is the Surgical Approach always Preferred?

Noga Arwas1*, Hana Krymko2, Leonel Slanovic2, Shalom Ben-Shimol3 and Aviva Levitas2

1Department of Pediatrics, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel
2Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel
3Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Soroka University Medical Center, Israel

^*Correspondance to: Noga Arwas 

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Abstract:

Bioprosthetic Valve Infective Endocarditis (BP-IE) in children is a major risk for heart valve surgery carrying a high mortality rate. Although a surgical approach is considered primary treatment, some data suggest conservative treatment may be sufficient in selected patients. We present five cases of BP-IE in children with congenital heart disease with BP-IE treated conservatively. Pathogens identified in blood cultures were Streptococcus abiotrophia defectiva, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus viridans, and Streptococcus gallolyticus. Treatment included prolonged parenteral antibiotics under close follow-up of pediatric cardiologic and infectious diseases specialists. Two of our patients were treated with recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator (rTPA), with favorable outcomes. We suggest conservative treatment may lead to equivalent outcomes and may be considered in selected pediatric patients.

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Cite the Article:

Arwas N, Krymko H, Slanovic L, Ben-Shimol S, Levitas A. Pediatric Bioprosthetic Valve Bacterial Endocarditis - Is the Surgical Approach always Preferred?. Ann Clin Case Rep. 2022; 7: 2307..