The Ethical Dilemma of Valve Replacement in Intravenous Drug Users

Antje Michel

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Essay from the year 2015 in the subject Ethics, grade: 100%, , course: NSP 4545, language: English, abstract: Infective endocardi...

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Essay from the year 2015 in the subject Ethics, grade: 100%, , course: NSP 4545, language: English, abstract: Infective endocarditis (IE), brought on by introduction of pathogens into the bloodstream, is a serious, potentially lethal condition affecting approximately 12.7 out of 100,000 individuals annually. Complications of IE include stroke, organ damage, secondary infections, heart failure, and almost certain death if infected valves are not replaced and/or aggressively treated with antibiotics. A significant risk factor for IE is intravenous drug abuse. Some individuals respond well to aggressive antibiotic therapy; however, others require early or even emergent surgery. Recurrent IE is common in intravenous drug abusers (IVDAs). This paper addresses the ethical dilemma associated with repetitive valve replacements in patients who use injection drugs.