Difference Between Acute and Subacute Endocarditis

Acute infective endocarditis develops suddenly and may become life threatening within days. Subacute infective endocarditis (also called subacute bacterial endocarditis) develops gradually and subtly over a period of weeks to several months but also can be life threatening.

1. What is subacute endocarditis?
2. What are the different types of endocarditis?
3. What is the difference between endocarditis and infective endocarditis?
4. What causes acute endocarditis?
5. Who gets endocarditis?
6. What is the survival rate of endocarditis?
7. Can you fully recover from endocarditis?
8. What is the most common cause of endocarditis?
9. How fast does endocarditis develop?
10. What antibiotic is used for endocarditis?
11. How long does it take to recover from endocarditis?
12. Can you have endocarditis for years?

What is subacute endocarditis?

Overview. Subacute bacterial endocarditis (SBE) is a slowly developing type of infective endocarditis — an infection of the lining of your heart (endocardium). Infective endocarditis can affect your heart's valves, too.

What are the different types of endocarditis?

Subdivisions of Infective Endocarditis

• bacterial acute endocarditis.
• bacterial subacute endocarditis.
• prosthetic valvular endocarditis (PVA)

What is the difference between endocarditis and infective endocarditis?

What is endocarditis? Endocarditis is inflammation of your heart's inner lining, called the endocardium. It's usually caused by bacteria. When the inflammation is caused by infection, the condition is called infective endocarditis.

What causes acute endocarditis?

Endocarditis is usually caused by an infection. Bacteria, fungi or other germs from another part of your body, such as your mouth, spread through your bloodstream and attach to damaged areas in your heart. If it's not treated quickly, endocarditis can damage or destroy your heart valves.

Who gets endocarditis?

It's more common in older people, with half of all cases developing in people aged over 50. But cases of endocarditis have been recorded in children, particularly those born with congenital heart disease. Twice as many men are affected as women.

What is the survival rate of endocarditis?

Three problems hamper the prognosis of patients who survive the initial phase of infective endocarditis (IE): the rate of IE recurrence is 0-3-2-5/100 patient years, about 60% of patients will have to be operated on at some time, 20-30% during the initial stay, 30—40% during the following 5-8 years; five-year survival ...

Can you fully recover from endocarditis?

With prompt diagnosis and proper medical treatment, over 90% of patients with bacterial endocarditis recover.

What is the most common cause of endocarditis?

Endocarditis begins when germs enter the bloodstream and then travel to the heart. Bacterial infection is the most common cause of endocarditis. Endocarditis can also be caused by fungi, such as Candida.

How fast does endocarditis develop?

There are two forms of infective endocarditis, also known as IE: Acute IE — develops suddenly and may become life threatening within days. Subacute or chronic IE (or subacute bacterial endocarditis) — develops slowly over a period of weeks to several months.

What antibiotic is used for endocarditis?

Initial empiric therapy in patients with suspected endocarditis should include vancomycin or ampicillin/sulbactam (Unasyn) plus an aminoglycoside (plus rifampin in patients with prosthetic valves). Valve replacement should be considered in selected patients with infectious endocarditis.

How long does it take to recover from endocarditis?

Depending on the severity of your condition, you'll usually have to take antibiotics for 2 to 6 weeks. Your doctor will usually take a blood sample before prescribing antibiotics to make sure you're given the most effective treatment.

Can you have endocarditis for years?

Three problems hamper the prognosis of patients who survive the initial phase of infective endocarditis (IE): the rate of IE recurrence is 0.3-2.5/100 patient years, about 60% of patients will have to be operated on at some time, 20-30% during the initial stay, 30-40% during the following 5-8 years; five-year survival ...