All indwelling intravenous catheters used to infuse antimicrobial treatment should be removed promptly at the end of therapy. Routine blood cultures are no longer recommended after the completion of antimicrobial therapy because the likelihood of a positive culture result in a patient who is otherwise without evidence of active infection is low. In the short-term follow-up, patients should be moni- tored for development of several complications (Table 18). A relapse of IE is a primary concern. Patients should be aware that relapses can occur and that new onset of fever, chills, or other evidence of systemic toxicity mandates immediate eval- uation, including a thorough history and physical examination and 3 sets of blood cultures. Every effort should be made to determine the cause of signs or symptoms of infection. In addition, prescribing empirical antimicrobial therapy should be avoided for an undefined febrile illness unless the patient s clinical condition (eg, sepsis) warrants empirical therapy. It is reasonable for patients who have completed therapy to undergo an examination after completing antibiotic therapy. Developing or worsening heart failure is a second com- plication that should be considered during short-term follow- up. Although new onset of heart failure caused by valvular dysfunction is unlikely during this period, valve function can deteriorate as a result of ongoing infection or mechanical stress unrelated to infection. In addition to physical examina- tion, echocardiographic findings can support this diagnosis. If heart failure develops or worsens, the patient should be evalu- ated immediately for cardiac surgery. Antibiotic toxicity still can occur after the completion of treatment and is the third complication that should be consid- ered during short-term follow-up. Two drug-related adverse events are concerns. The first is delayed ototoxicity because of the previous use of aminoglycosides. Audiological and Table 18. 