From the Guidelines
Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis (SBE) is a type of infective endocarditis characterized by a subacute or chronic disease with low-grade fever and non-specific symptoms, often presenting with fever, heart murmurs, and embolic complications. The diagnosis of SBE can be challenging due to its variable clinical presentation, which may include systemic symptoms such as chills, poor appetite, and weight loss 1. According to the 2015 American Heart Association statement, the epidemiological profile of infective endocarditis has changed substantially, with an increasing incidence of SBE caused by Staphylococcus aureus 1.
Clinical Features of SBE
The clinical features of SBE may include:
- Fever, often associated with systemic symptoms of chills, poor appetite, and weight loss 1
- Heart murmurs, found in up to 85% of patients 1
- Embolic complications, such as splinter hemorrhages, Roth spots, and glomerulonephritis 1
- Laboratory signs of infection, such as elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), leucocytosis, anemia, and microscopic hematuria 1
Diagnosis and Management of SBE
The diagnosis of SBE requires a diagnostic strategy that is both sensitive for disease detection and specific for its exclusion 1. The 2015 ESC guidelines for the management of infective endocarditis recommend early involvement of a cardiologist and an ID specialist to guide management 1. The diagnosis of SBE can be made using a combination of clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings, including echocardiography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 1.
Key Points
- SBE is a type of infective endocarditis characterized by a subacute or chronic disease with low-grade fever and non-specific symptoms 1
- The diagnosis of SBE can be challenging due to its variable clinical presentation 1
- Early involvement of a cardiologist and an ID specialist is recommended to guide management 1
From the Research
Definition of Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis (SBE)
- Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis (SBE) is not directly defined in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies primarily focus on the treatment of community-acquired respiratory tract infections and lower respiratory tract infections using various antibiotics such as amoxicillin/clavulanate and azithromycin.
Related Information
- The studies discuss the efficacy of different antibiotics in treating various infections, including acute bronchitis, pneumonia, and acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, none of the studies provide information on Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis (SBE), its definition, or its treatment.