Treatment of bacterial endocarditis with oral penicillins

Abstract

BEFORE the advent of antibiotics, bacterial endocarditis was almost invariably fatal. The introduction of penicillin altered the prognosis but problems in treatment are still encountered as the organisms are deeply embedded in the heart valves and vegetttions. The early and prolonged use of penicillin can now produce a cure in most cases but severe damage to the valves may occur leading to progressive heart failure.