Suing the NHS for Failing to Diagnose Infective Endocarditis
Heart failure and a stroke are just two of the horrific complications which can develop if infective endocarditis is not diagnosed in time. If medical professionals are responsible for this failure, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Infective endocarditis
The endocardium is the inner lining of the various chambers of the heart. Bacteria travelling through the bloodstream can cause it to become infected, leading to inflammation and reduction in the functioning of the heart.
Without prompt diagnosis and rapid treatment, it can quickly become life-threatening.
Treatment of infective endocarditis
This potentially-lethal illness needs to be treated with a course of intravenous antibiotics in hospital as a matter of emergency. If the patient's condition has been diagnosed at an early stage, this may be sufficient to return them to health.
If antibiotics do not resolve the problem or tests show that the heart has been damaged by the effects of the infection, it may be necessary for the patient to undergo some form of heart surgery such as a valve replacement.
In order to avoid the need for surgery, early diagnosis and treatment are vital.
Possible complications of infective endocarditis
The possible complications which might arise should the patient's condition fail to be diagnosed accurately in time, are shocking. They can be wide-ranging both in form and in long-term impact on the patient and include the following:
- The effects of infective endocarditis within the heart can cause heart failure and the death of the patient
- The patient may suffer a stroke, which can also threaten their life
- The patient can develop sepsis as a dysfunctional immune system response to the infection of the heart. Sepsis is also potentially fatal
- The patient may suffer blindness as a result of infective endocarditis, due to blockage of key blood vessels.
Where the patient survives complications of infective endocarditis, it is likely that they will, nonetheless, experience considerable physical difficulties in the long term.
This can cause significant financial problems which a successful compensation claim would help to resolve.
Diagnosis
It is clear that the early diagnosis of infective endocarditis is essential to the long-term well-being of the patient.
If medical professionals suspect that you may be suffering with infective endocarditis, you should be referred for further investigation.
This may take the form of a CT scan or an echocardiogram to assess the condition of your heart.
A failure to consider the implications of your symptoms may be regarded as substandard care and justify a claim for compensation.
Preventing infective endocarditis
Infective endocarditis is a bacterial infection. The bacteria responsible for this condition therefore require a route of access into the body in order to be able to reach the heart.
Bacteria can enter the body through a variety of routes but surgical procedures are a perfect opportunity for this to occur. It is, therefore, absolutely vital that patients who are about to undergo a surgical procedure are assessed for the need for prophylactic antibiotics to try to prevent infection.
Patients who have pre-existing heart conditions may require close consideration regarding the need to administer antibiotics prior to surgery. Those over 50 may also be more vulnerable to developing this potentially-fatal condition.
Likewise, patients about to undergo abdominal surgery, dental surgery and investigative procedures such as an endoscopy may also require prophylactic antibiotics.
A failure to consider a patient's risk of infection and a failure to take the appropriate precautionary measures may be regarded as negligent and justify a compensation claim.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are suffering the appalling long-term impact of infective endocarditis due to failings by medical professionals, contact Glynns solicitors.
We are a specialist medical negligence practice and will be very happy to discuss your situation with you and whether you can sue the NHS for compensation.
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