Infective Endocarditis in the Antibiotic Era

Abstract

Clinical Course of Treated EndocarditisFeverThe institution of appropriate antibiotic therapy frequently leads to defervescence and increase in the sense of well-being within several days. However, the fall in temperature may be gradual, normal levels not being reached until after more than a week of treatment; in some cases (12 per cent in this series) low-grade fever may be present through the entire period of therapy.Among the possibilities that require consideration, in the presence of continued or renewed fever, are ineffectiveness of the antibiotic, inadequate dose of drug, reaction to the antimicrobial agent, presence of metastatic areas of . . .