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  • Title: Clinical profile of Streptococcus agalactiae native valve endocarditis.
    Author: Rollán MJ, San Román JA, Vilacosta I, Sarriá C, López J, Acuña M, Bratos JL.
    Journal: Am Heart J; 2003 Dec; 146(6):1095-8. PubMed ID: 14661005.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Streptococcus agalactiae is an unusual pathogen in adults who are not pregnant. S agalactiae endocarditis is a poorly defined entity because it is uncommon; in contrast to other streptococcal endocarditis, it bears a high mortality rate. The aim of this study was to define its clinical, prognostic, and therapeutic profile on the basis of a series of 9 consecutive patients. METHODS: We conducted a prospective and multicenter study of patients with infectious endocarditis in which 310 episodes were included. RESULTS: S agalactiae grew in 9 patients (3%) who had no valve prosthesis. All patients except 1 had underlying diseases, and all patients had serious complications; the most common complications were major emboli, heart failure, and shock. The valve affected was the mitral valve in 4 patients, the aortic valve in 2 patients, both the mitral and aortic valves in 2 patients, and the tricuspid valve in 1 patient. All episodes were on native valves. Vegetations tended to be large (maximal diameter >10 mm in all patients), very mobile, and pedunculated. An abscess was found in 2 patients, and a perforation of the valve developed in 3 patients. Five patients died (mortality rate, 56%), 3 of whom had received antibiotic therapy alone. The 4 patients who survived underwent combined medical-surgical therapy. CONCLUSION: S agalactiae native valve endocarditis is very aggressive, and early surgery should be considered to prevent the destruction of valves and development of serious complications.
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