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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Bacterial Endocarditis following Mitral Valve Replacement
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Bacterial Endocarditis following Mitral Valve Replacement
by Kristine__0, Jan 01, 1995 12:00AM
Posted By Kristine on November 23, 1998 at 13:54:46:
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. My Mom spent 28 horrible days in the hospital and never came home with us.
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. Much to my horror, I can't find any indication that this was done at the time of my Mother's surgery.
She was on several antibiotics days after the surgery, but in what appears to be small doses.
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!
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. My Mom spent 28 horrible days in the hospital and never came home with us.
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. Much to my horror, I can't find any indication that this was done at the time of my Mother's surgery.
She was on several antibiotics days after the surgery, but in what appears to be small doses.
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!
