Bacterial Endocarditis after Mitral Valve Replacement

Posted By Kristine on November 24, 1998 at 15:18:53:







Topic Area: Heart Disease
My Mom had mitral valve replacement last August (97) Almost immediately after her surgery the valve became horribly infected. My Mother was consequently unresponsive and unable to communicate with us. We were told at the time that she was reacting to the heavy dose of anesthesia and infection.
It's over a year now and there are still questions in my mind. I recently got copies of the medical records and have been doing lots of my own research about bacterial endocarditis. It appears that my Mother was at great risk to get this infection due to the mitral valve regurgitation and other abnormalities in her heart. Most of my research states that there are preventitive measures that can be taken to fight the bacteria that causes this infection. Most suggest an aggressive dose of prophylaxis before the surgery and after.
Please, if there is any more information you can give me about this I wold really appreciate it. I have found many good sites with great information, but have yet to find someone to actually discuss this with.
Thank-you!