Infectious endocarditis following orthotopic heart transplantation
Spes, C.H.; Angermann, C.E.; Mudra, H.; Kemkes, B.M.; Theisen, K.
Zeitschrift für Kardiologie 79(1): 66-68
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-5860 PMID: 2316278 Document Number: 353846
Infection remains a major problem in the early phase after heart transplantation. Immunosuppressive therapy is the most important predisposing factor. It may also reactivate preexisting latent endogenous infections. Unspecific symptoms and a chronic clinical course, as described in this report, may suggest infective endocarditis of the cardiac allograft. From this case, we do not suggest a general antibiotic prophylaxis for heart transplant recipients; however, special precaution should be considered in heart transplant patients with a history of endocarditis.