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- Endocarditis
- SYMPTOMS. Signs may include a low-grade fever that may be sustained or
- irregular, blotches on the soles of the feet and on the palms, chills, small
- red or purplish spots on much of the body, joint pains, enlarged, painful
- spleen, anemia, fatigue, malaise, appetite loss and later chest pains.
- CAUSES. It is a bacterial infection of the heart lining. It often occurs
- after an injection of narcotics or dental procedures in persons with already
- damaged heart valves. It may also occur in other persons.
- TREATMENT. Consult your doctor immediately.
- .Without treatment endocarditis may be fatal.
- .Bed rest and antibiotics may be prescribed for a month or more.
- .Treatment may be needed for anemia.
- .Severe anemia may require a transfusion.