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What is Bacterial
Endocarditis? |
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Bacterial Endocarditis (BE) is
an infection caused by bacteria that enter the bloodstream and
settle in the heart lining, a heart valve or a blood vessel.
Although Bacterial Endocarditis
is uncommon, a child with a heart defect has a greater risk of
developing it. |
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High Risk:
- Cyanotic patients with palliative
shunts
- Homograft reconstruction for
right ventricular outflow obstruction
- Prosthetic valves
No Risk:
- Repaired Septal defects with
no residual shunt
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What is Bacterial
Endocarditis Prophylaxis? |
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This is what doctors call the
prevention of Bacterial Endocarditis. Prevention is necessary
before your child has surgery or dental work that may allow bacteria
to enter the bloodstream.
Nearly all patients who have
unoperated heart defects need to take antibiotics to prevent
Bacterial Endocarditis. |
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Many patients who have had heart
surgery need Bacterial Endocarditis antibiotic protection, too.
To prevent BE, your child should be given antibiotics an hour
or two before the surgery or dental procedure. Another dose should
be given six to eight hours later. |
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