Changing risk factors for pediatric infective endocarditis

Infective endocarditis in children is an uncommon infection. Three major groups of children are at risk: 1) those with underlying congenital heart disease, 2) those with central vascular catheters, and 3) children infected with certain virulent organisms. Although the overall incidence of infective endocarditis has increased, the population of children involved has changed. Children with corrected congenital heart disease are at risk during the early postoperative period. Children in whom vascular shunts or grafts are employed remain at the highest risk for endocarditis. Use of central vascular catheters increases risk in children with underlying heart disease and those with normal hearts. Finally, certain pathogens attack the heart valves and cause high morbidity and mortality.