Endocarditis Medical Negligence
A failure to diagnose endocarditis promptly can lead to life-threatening complications and long-term disability. In some circumstances, it can be lethal.
What is endocarditis?
Endocarditis is an infection of the lining of the heart which proves fatal to approximately one in five people who develop the condition.
It is usually caused by bacteria which travel to the heart and infect the lining, causing inflammation.
The bacteria can access the bloodstream through a variety of ways, including via an infection elsewhere in the body, via the mouth - especially where a person is suffering with poor gum condition - through an injection or cut to the skin, or during a surgical procedure.
Complications
Endocarditis requires urgent treatment with intravenous antibiotics. The patient may also require surgery if the heart has been damaged.
A failure to diagnose the condition or to treat it promptly can lead to a variety of shocking complications including the following:
- Blood clots
- Organ damage
- Heart attack
- Stroke
All of the above problems can produce life-threatening outcomes.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
It is clear that an accurate and prompt diagnosis is key to a positive patient outcome from this dreadful condition.
A patient who is developing endocarditis is likely to present with some of the following symptoms:
- A high temperature/chills
- Breathlessness
- Fatigue and muscle pain
- Headaches
- Nausea
A number of conditions can produce the above symptoms so the medial practitioner may need to consider other factors such as any pre-existing conditions, previous heart problems, possible routes for bacteria to have accessed the patient's body as well as the age of the patient.
The medical professional may carry out a number investigations to confirm a diagnosis, including blood tests, a CT scan and an echocardiogram.
Failing to recognise people at risk
Most people are unlikely to succumb to endocarditis due to their body's natural immune system but, where a patient who might be susceptible to the condition exhibits flu-like symptoms, it would be appropriate to investigate for endocarditis.
People who are at a higher risk of endocarditis include those who already have a heart condition, have previously had a heart attack or have high blood pressure.
Men are more likely to develop endocarditis than women, and older people are also more susceptible.
Therefore, certain patients might warrant a higher level of concern and examination when they present with possible symptoms of endocarditis.
Medical Negligence
A failure to recognise symptoms of endocarditis in a susceptible patient may be considered to represent substandard medical care and may warrant a claim for compensation.
Contact Glynns Solicitors to discuss your experience with a specialist medical negligence solicitor if you or a loved one have suffered from this condition due to a failing in medical care.
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