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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
endocarditis
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endocarditis
by Sandy, Jun 11, 2000 12:00AM
My husband had his aortic valve, root, and part of the ascending aorta replaced in October due to an aneuryism. He was never really totally right afterwards. Recently he was placed in the hospital because he was having long spells of chills followed by high fevers. Finally a blood culture was done and he had a bacteria in his blood. He has been on heavy duty antiobiotics now for 9 days and has not been released from the hospital yet. The blood cultures have been negative lately and his valve looks good. They feel that it may have settled in his neck( a weak area from his high school wrestling years) where hot spots showed up on the MRA. He has one swollen area in his thumb from a piece that may have broken off from wherever it was located. Last night they put a pic line in for IV antiobiotics for Home Health Services from home. They plan to release him in 1 day on Monday. The thing is that last night he ran a fever of 100.9 or so. Should he be released? He is also in a room with a patient who keeps ripping his diapers off and spreading urine and feces on his bed. Can that be dangerous for my husband's condition? He has a Saint Jude's valve, not the one that is having problems. Can you enlighten me more on the topic of endocarditis or refer me to a good source on the internet for information?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC, Jun 12, 2000 12:00AM
Dear Sandy,
It sounds like the doctors are not sure that your husband has endocarditis (infection of the heart valve) but they are treating him as if he does to be on the safe side. As long as he is getting good antibiotic coverage at home a temperature of 100.9 is not necessarily enough to keep him in the hospital. There may be other factors however and his doctors will have to decide if he is ready for discharge or not. The other patient in the room although annoying is not dangerous from an infectious standpoint to your husband. If he remains in the hospital you could request a transfer to a private room or another semi-private room.
Here is a good web site with more information about endocarditis:
http://www.amhrt.org/catalog/Heart_catpage17.html
It sounds like the doctors are not sure that your husband has endocarditis (infection of the heart valve) but they are treating him as if he does to be on the safe side. As long as he is getting good antibiotic coverage at home a temperature of 100.9 is not necessarily enough to keep him in the hospital. There may be other factors however and his doctors will have to decide if he is ready for discharge or not. The other patient in the room although annoying is not dangerous from an infectious standpoint to your husband. If he remains in the hospital you could request a transfer to a private room or another semi-private room.
Here is a good web site with more information about endocarditis:
http://www.amhrt.org/catalog/Heart_catpage17.html
I would be concerned about the roommate after your husband had a PICC line inserted. If his roommate is touching feces and urine then touches things your husband comes into contact with (doorknobs, etc.), he could become septic from cross-contamination. It is extremely important nurses wash their hands before touching the PICC line, even more so if the same nurse takes care of your husband and his roommate. Many nurses just put gloves on over dirty hands, and that's not good enough. What an unpleasant situation to say the least! Best wishes to you and your husband, may he have a speedy recovery.