Grignon A, Spencer H, Robson H G, Morin J E, Dobell A R
Can J Surg. 1981 Nov;24(6):615-8.
Over a 10-year period, 25 patients were treated for prosthetic valve infections: 13 infections were of early onset (within 2 months of valve insertion) and 12 of late onset. Of the latter group 11 patients survived, 6 without reoperation. By contrast, 6 of the 13 with early infections died, 5 of them being among the group of 9 patients who did not undergo reoperation. Vegetations were found on most valves at autopsy or reoperation; they are a major threat to these patients. The authors believe that the mortality for early prosthetic valve infections can be reduced only by earlier prosthetic valve removal and replacement.
