Google Web Health Directory: endocarditis
Showing posts with label endocarditis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label endocarditis. Show all posts

21 June, 2009

PSEUDOMONAS ENDOCARDITIS IN INTRAVENOUS DRUG USERS

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Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria ...Image via Wikipedia

Pseudomonas is a gram negative,rod shaped bacteria that is a causative agent of many serious infections.

Endocarditis is defined as inflammation of the inner most lining if the heart.It may occurs due to variety of infections and other causes.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a very common cause of endocarditis,specially in intravenous drug users.It has the capacity to infect native as well as prosthetic heart valves.The source of this bacteria is usually the standing water contaminating drug paraphernalia.Furthermore foreign materials present in drugs like heroin may damage the heart valves,thus facilitating the spread of infection.

The tricuspid valve located in the right side of the heart,in between the right and atrium and right ventricle is most commonly effected,although any other valve may be effected.

This disease is diagnosed by isolation of the bacteria in blood culture.Vegetations may be found over the heart valves in echocardiography.There may also be evidence of septic pulmonary lesions in chest x-ray.

Pseudomonas endocarditis,is usually treated by anti-pseudomonal penicillins like piperacillin+tazobactum.ticarcillin+clavulinate,mezlocillin etc.This drugs are usually given in their highest doses.In some situations valve replacement may be necessary.

For more information on this,please discuss with your doctor and visit other reliable internet sources, or may post any question in the comment section.



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16 February, 2009

CARDIAC[HEART]CHANGES IN LUPUS

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In today's post I'll discuss about the cardiac changes in SLE[systemic lupus erythematosus].Pericarditis[inflammation of the pericardium or the covering of the heart i.e in simple words the pericardium is invaded by different types of inflammatory cells].In minority of cases it may lead to cardiac tamponade.The more serious manifestations may be myocarditis i.e

involvement of muscles of the heart by inflammation:endocarditis.Involvement of the innermost layer of the heart[endocardium] may lead to cardiac valve insufficiencies,usually of the left sided heart valves[aortic and mitral valves].
Of note,myocardial infarction[commonly called only infarction or heart attack] is also common in individuals with lupus,primarily due to accelerated atherosclerosis.

Pericarditis usually responds to anti-inflammatory drugs.Myocarditis and endocarditis is usually treated with glucocorticoids.

For any more information on this, please consult your doctor or you may post in the comment section.

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