Endocarditis : Endocarditis is a serious inflammation of one of the four heart valves. Endocarditis is caused by a growth of bacteria on one of the heart valves, leading to an infected mass called a "vegetation". The infection may be introduced during brief periods of having bacteria in the bloodstream, such as after dental work, colonoscopy, and other similar procedures.
Drugs used - Cefazolin, penicillin, daptomycin, metronidazole, ceftazidime, gentamicin, tobramycin, cilastatin/imipenem
Septicemia : Septicemia is an infection of blood. Septicemia is a serious life- threatening infection that gets worse very quickly. It can arise from infections thought out the body , including infection in the lungs , abdomen , urinary tract etc.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
The site of infections that most frequently lead to sepsis were the respiratory tract (40%) , urinary tract (18% ) and intra- abdominal space (14%). It may cause by gram-negative (or) gram- positive bacteria, as well as by fungi & other microorganism. E .coli is the common pathogen isolated in sepsis, other gram-negative pathogens include Klebsiellaspp…, Serratiaspp…, Enterobacterspp…., Proteus spp, Pseudomonousaeruginosa etc. Gram –positive organisms including Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumonia etc.
Some fungus will cause the septicemia. Candida species (c. albicans) are common cause of sepsis in hospitalized patients. The pathophysiologic focus of gram-negative sepsis has been on the lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin) component of the gram - negative cell wall.
TREATMENT
Sepsis is usually treated in the ICU with IV fluids, antibiotic if fluid replacement is insufficient to maintain blood pressure specific vasopressor medications can be used. Oxygen will be given. Antibiotics are used to treat the infection. Plasma (or ) other blood products may be given to correct any clotting abnormalities
Urinary tract infection : A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection of the urinary tract. The infection can occur at different points in the urinary tract including:
• Bladder -- an infection in the bladder is also called cystitis or a bladder infection.
• Kidneys -- an infection of one or both kidneys is called pyelonephritis or a kidney infection.
• Ureters -- the tubes that take urine from each kidney to the bladder are only rarely the site of infection.
• Urethra -- an infection of the tube that empties urine from the bladder to the outside is called urethritis.
Causes
Most urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and then the bladder. The infection most commonly develops in the bladder, but can spread to the kidneys. Women tend to get them more often because their urethra is shorter and closer to the anus than in men. Because of this, women are more likely to get an infection after sexual activity or when using a diaphragm for birth control. Menopause also increases the risk of a UTI.
The following also increase your chances of developing a UTI:
• Diabetes
• Advanced age and conditions that affect personal care habits (such as Alzheimer's disease and delirium)
• Problems emptying the bladder completely
• Having a urinary catheter
• Bowel incontinence
• Enlarged prostate, narrowed urethra, or anything that blocks the flow of urine
• Kidney stones
• Staying still (immobile) for a long period of time (for example, while you are recovering from a hip fracture)
• Pregnancy
• Surgery or other procedure involving the urinary tract
Symptoms
The symptoms of a bladder infection include:
• Cloudy or bloody urine, which may have a foul or strong odor
• Low fever in some people
• Pain or burning with urination
• Pressure or cramping in the lower abdomen or back
• Strong need to urinate often, even right after the bladder has been emptied
If the infection spreads to your kidneys, symptoms may include:
• Chills and shaking or night sweats
• Fatigue and a general ill feeling
• Fever above 101 degrees Fahrenheit
• Pain in the side, back, or groin
• Flushed, warm, or reddened skin
• Mental changes or confusion (in the elderly, these symptoms often are the only signs of a UTI)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Very bad abdominal pain (sometimes)
Treatment
• A simple UTI can be treated with a short course of oral antibiotics. You should also remember to drink plenty of liquids, especially around the time of a UTI.
• If the UTI is a complicated UTI, then a longer period of antibiotics is given and usually is started intravenously in the hospital. After a short period of intravenous antibiotics, then the antibiotics are given by mouth for a period up to several weeks. Kidney infections have usually been treated as a complicated UTI.
Peritonitis : Peritonitis is an inflammation (irritation) of the peritoneum, the thin tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen and covers most of the abdominal organs.Peritonitis is caused by a collection of blood, body fluids, or pus in the abdomen (intra-abdominal abscess).
The specific types of peritonitis:
• Peritonitis - spontaneous
• Peritonitis - secondary
Symptoms
The belly (abdomen) is very painful or tender. The pain may become worse when the belly is touched or when you move.
Your belly may look or feel bloated. This is called abdominal distention.
Other symptoms may include:
• Fever and chills
• Fluid in the abdomen
• Passing little or no stools or gas
• Excessive fatigue
• Passing less urine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Racing heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
Treatment
The cause must be identified and treated promptly. Treatment typically involves surgery and antibiotics.