Infective endocarditis in children

Abstract

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare condition in children. It is still associated with high morbidity and mortality rates despite actual advances in diagnostic techniques and therapy. Its incidence appears to increase in recent years due to the improved survival in children with congenital heart disease and to the emergence of postoperative and healthcare acquired infections while rheumatic heart disease remains the main underlying heart condition in developing countries. In addition to blood cultures and echocardiography, diagnostic workup benefited from novel imaging modalities. As in adults, the Duke diagnostic criteria are valid in the pediatric setting. In the present review, we sought to summarize the main pathogenic and clinical aspects of IE in children and to present an insight into available therapeutic options.