Abstract

RIBEIRO, Cristiana et al. Infective endocarditis in a preterm newborn. Nascer e Crescer [online]. 2012, vol.21, n.1, pp.25-27. ISSN 0872-0754.

Background: Infective endocarditis is a rare but serious illness in neonatal period. Case report: The authors describe the case of a preterm newborn, 31 weeks of gestation who presented at 15th day of life a condition consistent with neonatal sepsis and antibiotic therapy was administered. Staphylococus aureus, sensitive to antibiotics that were prescribed, were detected in blood cultures and the central venous line introduced at 6th day of life was replaced at this point. At 25th day an II/VI grade blowing systolic murmur was heard and the echocardiography showed a suggestive image of vegetation (size-8,5x4mm) in the tricuspid valve. Bacterial endocarditis was suspected and the newborn was treated with vancomycin, gentamicin and rifampicin. The subsequent blood cultures were negative and no increase on vegetation size was observed. In ambulatory, he remained clinically well and actually, with nine months of corrected age, the size of vegetation is 3x3mm. Conclusion: Suspicion of infective endocarditis must be considered in newborns with hospital sepsis in an intensive care setting, with an indwelling catheter, especially if the agents involved are Staphylococcus aureus or fungi. The cornerstone of treatment is a prolonged course of antibiotic treatment with an appropriate bactericidal regimen. However mortality remains high.

Keywords : central venous lines; endocarditis; preterm newborn; Staphylococus aureus.

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