Group B Streptococcal Endocarditis in Obstetric and Gynecologic Practice
Author Information
Author(s): Antonio Crespo, Avi S. Retter, Bennett Lorber
Primary Institution: Temple University School of Medicine and Hospital
Conclusion
Despite an improvement in mortality, morbidity remains high, with 8 of 11 patients having clinically significant emboli.
Supporting Evidence
- Most patients did not have underlying valvular disease.
- The tricuspid valve was most often involved.
- Mortality was low, with only one patient dying.
- 8 of 11 patients had clinically significant emboli.
- Abortion was the most commonly implicated procedure.
- Treatment typically involved a -lactam antibiotic plus an aminoglycoside.
Takeaway
This study looks at cases of heart infections caused by group B streptococcus in women, showing that while fewer people are dying from it now, many still have serious health problems.
Methodology
A computerized literature search was performed for reported cases of infective endocarditis caused by GBS associated with obstetric or gynecologic conditions from January 1985 to June 2002.
Limitations
The study is limited by the small number of cases reviewed and the retrospective nature of the literature search.
Participant Demographics
The study included 11 cases of group B streptococcal endocarditis, primarily in women of childbearing age.
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