Infective Endocarditis Patients Research Articles

Risk factors associated with mortality in the infective endocarditis patients requiring cardiac surgery: a study based on Latvian population.

Increased life expectancy, developments in medicine and intracardiac devices, accessibility of cardiac surgery, decrease in the prevalence of rheumatic heart disease are changing infective endocarditis patient profile and thus risk factors for the adverse events. This single-center-based study covering the whole Latvian population aimed to assess the intrahospital and 3-year mortality of infective endocarditis patients who underwent cardiac surgery, as well as risk factors and laboratory indices predictive of adverse outcomes of the disease. Clinical profiles, data of laboratory and instrumental analyses, operation and intensive care unit records of cardiac surgery patients treated in Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia, between 2015 and 2019 were analyzed. We analyzed data from 242 episodes of surgically treated infective endocarditis in 233 patients. The median age of patients was 57.00 (45.00-68.00) years. The rate of intrahospital mortality was 11.16%. Risk factors associated with mortality in the univariate analyses were S. aureus infection (HR=2.27, 95% CI: 1.36-3.80; P=0.002) and systemic embolization of vegetations (HR=1.63, 95% CI: 1.00-2.64; P=0.048). Perivalvular complications (HR=1.98, 95% CI: 1.19-3.29; P=0.009) were found to be independently associated with mortality in multivariate analysis (HR=1.99, 95% CI: 1.05-3.78; P=0.035). One-year survival was 78.3%, whereas three-year -71.3%. Intrahospital mortality of surgically treated IE patients was 11.2%; however, one- and three-year mortality was 21.7 and 28.7%, respectively. Perivalvular complications were independently associated with mortality. Laboratory indices were not predictive of adverse outcomes.

A clinical profile of infective endocarditis in patients with recent COVID-19: A systematic review

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can progress to cardiovascular complications which are linked to higher in-hospital mortality rates. Infective endocarditis (IE) can develop in patients with recent COVID-19 infections, however, characterization of IE following COVID-19 infection has been lacking. To better characterize this disease, we performed a systematic review with descriptive analysis of the clinical features and outcomes of these patients. MethodsOur search was conducted in 8 databases for all published reports of probable or definite IE in patients with a prior COVID-19 confirmed diagnosis. After ensuring an appropriate inclusion of the articles, we extracted data related to clinical characteristics, modified duke criteria, microbiology, outcomes, and procedures. ResultsSearches generated a total of 323 published reports, and 20 articles met our inclusion criteria. The mean age of patients was 52.2 ± 16.9 years and 76.2% were males. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 8 (38.1%) patients, Enterococcus faecalis in 3 patients (14.3%) and Streptococcus mitis/oralis in 2 (9.5%) patients. The mean time interval between COVID-19 and IE diagnoses was 16.7 ± 15 days. Six (28.6%) patients required critical care due to IE, 7 patients (33.3%) underwent IE-related cardiac surgery and 5 patients (23.8%) died during their IE hospitalization. ConclusionsOur systematic review provides a profile of clinical features and outcomes of patients with a prior COVID-19 infection diagnosis who subsequently developed IE. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential that clinicians appreciate the possibility of IE as a unique complication of COVID-19 infection.

Prognostic Value of Lymphocyte-to-White Blood Cell Ratio for In-Hospital Mortality in Infective Endocarditis Patients.

Background The prognosis of Infective endocarditis (IE) is poor, and we conducted this investigation to evaluate the worth of admission lymphocyte-to-white blood cell ratio (LWR) for prediction of short-term outcome in IE patients. Methods We retrospectively assessed the medical records of 147 IE patients from January 2017 to December 2019. Patients were divided into the survivor group and nonsurvivor group. Univariate and multivariate analyses were applied to estimate the independent factors contribution to in-hospital death, and receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve was utilized to check the performance. Results The levels of LWR (0.17 ± 0.08 vs. 0.10 ± 0.06) were significantly increased among the survivor group compared with the nonsurvivor group (P = 0.001). Multivariate analysis displayed that LWR (hazard ratio (HR): 1.755, 1.304–2.362, P < 0.001) was not interfered by other confounding factors for early death. Moreover, ROC analysis suggested that LWR (cutoff value = 0.10) performed the best among assessed indexes for the forecast of primary outcome (area under curve (AUC) = 0.750, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.634–0.867, P < 0.001, sensitivity = 70.0%, specificity = 76.4%), and the proportion of in-hospital mortality was remarkably inferior in patients with LWR > 0.10 than in those with LWR ≤ 0.10. (5.83% vs. 31.8%, P < 0.001). Conclusions LMR is an independent, simple, universal, inexpensive, and reliable prognostic parameter to identify high-risk IE patients for in-hospital mortality.

Prognostic Value of Decreased High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels in Infective Endocarditis.

(1) Background: Simple parameters to be used as early predictors of prognosis in infective endocarditis (IE) are lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic role of high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and also of total-cholesterol (TC), low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides, in relation to clinical features and mortality, in IE. (2) Methods: Retrospective analysis of observational data from 127 consecutive patients with a definite diagnosis of IE between 2016 and 2019. Clinical, laboratory and echocardiography data, mortality, and co-morbidities were analyzed in relation to HDL-C and lipid profile. (3) Results: Lower HDL-C levels (p = 0.035) were independently associated with in-hospital mortality. HDL-C levels were also significantly lower in IE patients with embolic events (p = 0.036). Based on ROC curve analysis, a cut-off value was identified for HDL-C equal to 24.5 mg/dL for in-hospital mortality. HDL-C values below this cut-off were associated with higher triglyceride counts (p = 0.008), higher prevalence of S. aureus etiology (p = 0.046) and a higher in-hospital mortality rate (p = 0.004). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed higher 90-day mortality in patients with HDL-C ≤ 24.5 mg/dL (p = 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Low HDL-C levels could be used as an easy and low-cost marker of severity in IE, particularly to predict complications, in-hospital and 90-day mortality.

Potential Advances of Adjunctive Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Infective Endocarditis.

Patients with infective endocarditis (IE) form a heterogeneous group by age, co-morbidities and severity ranging from stable patients to patients with life-threatening complications with need for intensive care. A large proportion need surgical intervention. In-hospital mortality is 15-20%. The concept of using hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in other severe bacterial infections has been used for many decades supported by various preclinical and clinical studies. However, the availability and capacity of HBOT may be limited for clinical practice and we still lack well-designed studies documenting clinical efficacy. In the present review we highlight the potential beneficial aspects of adjunctive HBOT in patients with IE. Based on the pathogenesis and pathophysiological conditions of IE, we here summarize some of the important mechanisms and effects by HBOT in relation to infection and inflammation in general. In details, we elaborate on the aspects and impact of HBOT in relation to the host response, tissue hypoxia, biofilm, antibiotics and pathogens. Two preclinical (animal) studies have shown beneficial effect of HBOT in IE, but so far, no clinical study has evaluated the feasibility of HBOT in IE. New therapeutic options in IE are much needed and adjunctive HBOT might be a therapeutic option in certain IE patients to decrease morbidity and mortality and improve the long-term outcome of this severe disease.

Abstract TP211: Identifying Factors Associated With Higher Risk Of Stroke In Patients With Infective Endocarditis Using The National Inpatient Sample

Background: Cerebrovascular complications (ischemic stroke (IS), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) or subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)) of infective endocarditis (IE) are common and substantially increase morbidity and mortality. We aimed to identify risk factors for stroke in a nationally representative population of hospitalized IE patients from the US. Methods: Patient hospitalizations for IE and stroke were identified using validated International Classification of Diseases 10 diagnosis codes from the Q4 2015-2018 National Inpatient Sample. We evaluated the association between demographics, known risk factors (opioid use, cardiac valve replacement, and mitral valve disease), and Elixhauser comorbidity index-defined factors with the diagnosis of stroke using logistic regression. Results: Of the 53,557 patients with a diagnosis of IE, 5,754 (10.7%) had a concurrent diagnosis of stroke (75% IS, 6.9% ICH, 4.5% SAH, 14% multiple stroke types). The mean age at IE diagnosis was 59 years; 42.3% were female; 71.8% Caucasian, 14.2% Black, 7.8% Hispanic, 2.7% Asian, and 0.8% Native American; 9.2% of patients died during hospitalization (7.5% without stroke, 23% with stroke, p&lt;0.001). Factors independently associated with stroke are shown in the Table; the C-statistic was 0.63. Opioid use and cardiac valve replacement were not associated with stroke. Conclusion: In this large, nationally representative sample of hospitalized IE patients, comorbidities independently associated with higher odds of stroke included mitral valve disease, metastatic cancer, coagulopathy, weight loss, and electrolyte disorders. Detailed clinical data, not available from this administrative data set, may allow better prediction of stroke, but our findings may suggest areas for additional research.

Abstract WP177: Trends In The Clinical Phenotype Of Infective Endocarditis Related Stroke From 2005-2015: A Population-Based Study Of The Greater Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky Region

Background: Prior studies have demonstrated a rising incidence of infective endocarditis related stroke (IERS) in the US due to the opioid epidemic. The Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky (GCNK) region has one of the highest opioid abuse rates in the nation. A modern epidemiologic description is necessary to understand the impact of the opioid epidemic on the clinical phenotype of IERS. Methods: Using the GCNK Stroke Study, all patients hospitalized with IERS in 2005, 2010, and 2015 were abstracted and physician reviewed. IERS was defined as an acute stroke clinically attributed to infective endocarditis in patients meeting modified Duke Criteria for possible or definite endocarditis. Comparison between years were by chi-square or Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables; ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test for numerical variables. Cochran-Armitage test was used to examine trend. Secondary analysis compared characteristics between intravenous drug users (IVDU) and non-IVDU. Results: A total of 54 patients with IERS were identified in 2005, 2010, and 2015. Over the period, there was a significant decline in hypertension (91.7% in 2005, 36.0% in 2015; p=0.0005) and increase in IVDU (8.3% in 2005, 44.0% in 2015; p=0.02). They trended towards increased white race, younger age, and fewer vascular risk factors. Compared to non-IVDU, IVDU were significantly younger (41.1±14.1vs 63.1±14.3 years; p&lt;0.001), less often female (12.5% vs 47.4%; p=0.02), had higher rates of sepsis (50% vs 18.4%; p=0.04), less atrial fibrillation (0% vs 31.6%; p=0.01), and less renal disease (0% vs 23.7%; p=0.045). The incidence of IERS per 100,000 increased from 1.31 (CI: 0.56-2.06) in 2005, to 1.66 (CI: 0.87-2.45) in 2010, and to 2.41(CI:1.46-3.36) in 2015. Conclusion: From 2005 to 2015, IERS was increasingly associated with IVDU and an absence of hypertension. These trends likely reflect the demographics of the opioid epidemic, which has affected younger patients with less comorbidities.

Brain imaging determinants of functional prognosis after severe endocarditis: a multicenter observational study

We developed a detailed imaging phenotype of the cerebral complications in critically ill patients with infective endocarditis (IE) and determine whether any specific imaging pattern could impact prognostic information.One hundred ninety-two patients admitted to the intensive care units of seven tertiary centers with severe, definite left IE and neurological complications were included. All underwent cerebral imaging few days after admission to define the types of lesions, their volumes, and their locations using voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping (VLSM). We employed uni- and multi-variate logistic regression analyses to explore the associations among imaging features and other prognostic variables and the 6-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score.Ischemic lesions were the most common lesions (75%; mean volume, 15.3 ± 33 mL) followed by microbleeds (50%; mean number, 4 ± 7.5), subarachnoidal hemorrhages (20%), hemorrhagic strokes (16%; mean volume, 14.6 ± 21 mL), and hemorrhagic transformations (10%; mean volume, 5.6 ± 11 mL). The volume of hemorrhagic transformations, the severity of leukopathy, and the compromises of certain locations on the motor pathway from the VLSM were associated with a poor 6-month mRS score on univariate analyses. However, upon multivariate analyses, no such specific imaging pattern independently predicted the mRS; this was instead influenced principally by age (OR = 1.03 [1.004-1.06]) and cardiac surgery status (OR = 0.06 [0.02-0.16]) in the entire cohort, and by age (OR = 1.04 [1.01-1.08]) and Staphylococcus aureus status (OR = 2.86 [1.19-6.89]) in operated patients.In a cohort of severely ill IE patients with neurological complications, no specific imaging pattern could be highlighted as a reliable predictor of prognosis.

Infective endocarditis in patients with diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an adverse premorbid background for the development, course and outcome of infective endocarditis (IE), and therefore the combination of these diseases requires study. Objective: to study the clinical features and outcomes of infective endocarditis in patients with diabetes mellitus. Material and methods A retrospective (from 2001 to 2007) and a prospective (from 2008 to 2018) analysis of 347 patients with specifi c IE, 243 men and 104 women, aged from 17 to 83 (median age 44.8; 34–54). Results. 22 patients with IE, were diagnosed with diabetes, that is, the incidence of this pathology was 6.3%. Type 1 diabetes was observed in 7 (2% of the total number of patients and 32% among patients with a combination of IE and diabetes). Type 2 diabetes was diagnosed in 15 patients (4.3% and 68%, respectively). In subgroups of patients with IE and diabetes and without it, statistically signifi cant diff erences in age (p &lt; 0.05), Charlson comorbidity index (p &lt; 0.001), incidence of neurological complications ((p &lt; 0.05), hospital mortality (p &lt; 0.05) were noted, while patients with IE on the background of type 1 diabetes, had a more severe course of the disease. According to key characteristics of the pathological process in IE, localization, severity of systemic infl ammation, clinical and biochemical parameters, no signifi cant diff erences in the studied groups were found. Findings. The obtained results confi rm the literature data on fundamentally identical regularities of the course of IE in patients with and without diabetes. At the same time, the development of IE on the background of diabetes is a prognostically unfavorable combination of comorbid conditions, which requires special attention of physicians to such a contingent of patients, interaction of specialists for their successful management.

Surgical versus medical management of infective endocarditis after TAVR.

We assessed the incidence of aortic valve surgery intervention in the treatment of infective endocarditis (IE) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and compared the characteristics and outcomes of surgical intervention versus medical management alone in this cohort using a nationwide data set. We identified all the hospitalizations in patients undergoing TAVR who developed IE within 1-year (i.e., early IE) of the procedure from 2014 to 2017 using the Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD). The primary outcomes of the study were in-hospital mortality. A total of 906 hospitalizations were identified for IE amongst the TAVR patients from 2014 to 2017 of which 20 (2.21%) underwent aortic valve surgery during the hospitalization. Patients undergoing surgery were younger, more likely to have Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis, cardiogenic shock, and acute kidney injury (AKI) during the hospitalization. There were no significant differences in in-hospital mortality (9.9% vs. 12.4%, p = 0.824; adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.26 (0.01-1.58), p = 0.223) and 30-day readmissions. However, the length of stay and hospitalization costs were higher in surgical intervention group. The important predictors of in-hospital mortality in TAVR-related IE patients were dialysis during IE hospitalization, AKI, cardiogenic shock, Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis, stroke, and female sex. The utilization of surgical management for IE post-TAVR during the index hospitalization is low, and there is no significant mortality benefit with surgical intervention as compared with the medical management.

Infective Endocarditis in Children with Isolated VSD: A Single Center Study

Aim: To determine the characteristics of isolated ventricular septal defect (VSD) in association with infective endocarditis (IE) among children with isolated VSD and its outcome. Method: This was cross-sectional study. Data was collected prospectively from infective endocarditis patients with isolated ventricular septal defect (VSD), admitted in pediatric cardiology ward of The Children’s hospital and Institute of Child Health, Lahore. Study period was from September 2018 till March 2021. The data was analyzed by using SPSS-26. Result: Sixty patients of ventricular septal defect (VSD) with infective endocarditis (IE), fulfilling the inclusion criteria, were included in the current study. Mostly about 60% were male. Transthoracic Echocardiography was done for all the patients. Single vegetation was found among 68.3%, rest were having multiple vegetations. seen. Approximately 57% were having small size vegetations while remaining 43% were with moderated – large vegetations. Complications were reported in only 18% of the study population. Regarding outcome majority of the patients (90%) were successfully treated with medical management alone, while only 8.3% required surgical intervention as well. Only 1 out of 60 patients included in the study was expired. Characteristic of VSD, size of vegetation, and number of vegetations have significant influence on development of complications (p = &lt;0.05). Conclusion: Risk of complications among infective endocarditis with isolated VSD is comparatively greater with large vegetation and multiple number of vegetations as compared to single or small vegetation. Medical management is main stay of treatment while surgical intervention is usually required among infective endocarditis patients with DCSA-VSD &amp; subaortic-VSD. Key words: Ventricular septal defect (VSD), DCSA (doubly committed sub-arterial) VSD, Infective endocarditis (IE).

Valve replacement or repair in native mitral valve infective endocarditis-Which is better? A meta-analysis and systematic review.

Native mitral valve infective endocarditis (IE) plagues patients and surgeons alike because of its high mortality and recurrence rates as well as poor prognosis. Mitral valve repair (MVP) and mitral valve replacement (MVR) are two main surgical methods. However, the question of which benefits patients more remains controversial. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to systematically review the two approaches, focusing on the early survival rate and long-term outcomes. A meta-analysis and systematic review were conducted using studies sourced from the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane literature databases to compare MVP and MVR, with data extracted for baseline characteristics, mortality, survival, recurrent endocarditis, and valve reoperation. Risk ratio (RR) or hazard ratio (HR) values were calculated, and publication bias was tested. A total of 17 relevant publications with a total population of 3759 patients, with 1180 patients having undergone MVP and 2579 patients having undergone MVR, respectively, were analyzed. Patients who underwent MVP may benefit from a lower risk of early mortality (RR, 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39-0.66; p < .00001), a higher long-term survival rate (HR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.58-0.81; p < .001; I2 = 0%), and a lower risk of recurrence (RR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.40-1.09; p = .10; I2 = 0%). However, a similar risk of reoperation was observed for both groups (RR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.36-2.91; p = .96; I2 = 43%). This meta-analysis suggests that MVP may lead to better outcomes compared to MVR. Among patients with mitral valve IE, MVP can reduce in-hospital mortality, improve long-term survival, and has a lower risk of recurrent endocarditis. As a result, MVP may be suitable as a primary treatment choice and should be considered whenever possible in most IE patients.

A case of vasculitis triggered by infective endocarditis in a patient undergoing maintenance hemodialysis: a case report

BackgroundImmunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgA vasculitis) is one of the most common forms of vasculitis in children. It rarely occurs in adults. It is a systemic vasculitis with IgA deposition and is characterized by the classical tetrad of purpura, arthritis/arthralgia, gastrointestinal and renal involvement. Certain types of infections, and pharmacological agents have been reported to be associated with IgA vasculitis. Here, we describe a case of IgA vasculitis triggered by infective endocarditis in a patient undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.Case presentationA 70-year-old man undergoing hemodialysis was admitted because of skin purpura, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and lower back pain. We suspected him as IgA vasculitis based on the clinical features and skin biopsy findings. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed infective endocarditis, which predisposed him to IgA vasculitis. He was treated with antibiotics and low-dose corticosteroids, which led to resolution of vasculitis.ConclusionsThis is the first case of IgA vasculitis triggered by infective endocarditis in a patient undergoing hemodialysis. Patients undergoing hemodialysis are at a high risk of infection because of immune dysfunction and frequent venipuncture. The incidence of infective endocarditis associated with IgA vasculitis is very low, but it has been repeatedly reported. Therefore, it is necessary to consider infective endocarditis in patients with clinical features that indicate IgA vasculitis.

Surgical Management of IE Patients Within the Tasmanian Population

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a high morbidity and mortality condition, often requiring high-risk surgical intervention. Our aim was to identify the demographics of IE patients requiring this procedure, and overall intervention rate.

Polyphenols could be Effective in Exerting a Disinfectant-Like Action on Bioprosthetic Heart Valves, Counteracting Bacterial Adhesiveness.

Background:The incidence of infective endocarditis in patients with bioprosthetic heart valves is over 100 times that of the general population with S. aureus recognized as the causative organism in approximately 1/3 of cases. In this study, (1) the microbicidal and virucidal effect of a polyphenolic solution was carefully evaluated. The same solution was then adopted for the treatment of a commercial bioprosthetic heart valve model for (2) the assessment of inhibition of S. aureus adhesiveness.Methods:(1) the viability of 9 microorganisms strains (colony-forming units) and the infectivity degree of 3 viral strains (cellular infection capacity) were evaluated after suspension in the polyphenolic solution. (2) Leaflets from a treated and untreated commercial surgical valve model were incubated with a known concentration of S. aureus. After incubation, the leaflets were homogenized and placed in specific culture media to quantify the bacterial load.Results:(1) The polyphenolic solution proved to be effective in eliminating microorganisms strains guaranteeing the killing of at least 99.9%. The effectiveness is particularly relevant against M. chelonae (99.999%). (2) The polyphenol-based treatment resulted in the inhibition of the S. aureus adhesiveness by 96% concerning untreated samples.Conclusions:The data suggest an interesting protective effect against infections and bacterial adhesiveness by a polyphenolic-based solution. Further studies will plan to extend the panel of microorganisms for the evaluation of the anti-adhesive effect; however, the use of optimized polyphenolic blends could lead to the development of new treatments capable to make transcatheter-valve substitutes more resistant to infection.

Association of recurrent fever and anemia with infective endocarditis in a 13-year-old girl with bicuspid aortic valve

Introduction. Infective endocarditis is relatively rare in pediatric population, but can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Children with bicuspid aortic valve are at higher risk of developing infective endocarditis as compared to the general population. Our objective is to emphasize the importance of rapid diagnosis and proper treatment of infective endocarditis in patients with bicuspid aortic valve with the aim of preventing serious adverse events. Case outline. We report a case of a 13-year-old girl with a newly diagnosed bicuspid aortic valve who developed infective endocarditis with severe complications and underwent cardiac surgery. Recurrent fever and anemia, as well as cardiac murmur, were present for six months prior to diagnosing infective endocarditis. During the course of illness, only one of many blood cultures taken was positive for Streptococcus sanguinis. Conclusion. Patients with bicuspid aortic valve require careful evaluation for infective endocarditis, especially if recurrent fever associated with anemia is present. Delayed diagnosis of infective endocarditis is associated with serious complications.

Double valve infective endocarditis due to Capnocytophaga canimorsus

Infective endocarditis caused by Capnocytophaga canimorsus, a commensal organism commonly found in dog saliva, is uncommon. We describe a case of a 76-year-old male with native aortic and mitral valve endocarditis with ventricular-atrial fistulization due to Capnocytophaga canimorsus. He was successfully treated with intravenous antimicrobials and surgery. Capnocytophaga canimorsus should be considered as a cause of infective endocarditis in patients with negative blood cultures, in asplenic patients, and in those with appropriate exposures.

Use of risk scores surgical in patients with non-surgically treated infectious endocarditis at the university hospitalier centre Ibn Rochd of Casablanca, Morocco (about 192 cases)

The accuracy of surgical scores in predicting hospital mortality in non-surgically treated patients with infectious endocarditis (IE) has not yet been explored. Patients with defined EI who did not undergo valve surgery were selected from the database of the cardiology department of the Ibn Rochd university hospitlier centre in Casablanca, Morocco. Patients were noted using (a) six systems specifically designed to predict mortality in hospital after surgery for IE, (b) three commonly used risk scores for cardiac surgery, and (c) a risk score to predict mortality at six months in IE after surgery or medical therapy. The calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow test) and discriminating power (analysis of receptor operating characteristics [ROC]) were evaluated for each score. Areas below the ROC curves were compared one by one (Hanley-McNeil method). A total of 192 patients (average age, 65.2 ± 15.2 years) were considered for the analysis. There were 38 (19.8%) death in hospital. Age > 70 years (P–0.001), Staphylococcus aureus as a causal agent (P–0.05) and severe sepsis (P–0.027) were independent predictors of hospital mortality. Despite many differences in the number and type of variables, all but two of the scores studied showed good calibration (P > 0.66). However, the discriminating power was satisfactory (area below the ROC curve > 0.70) for only three of the EI-specific scores and two of the scores used to predict mortality after cardiac surgery. Of the 10 surgical scores evaluated in this study, five could be adopted to predict hospital mortality, even for IE patients receiving medical treatment only.

Using surgical risk scores in nonsurgically treated infective endocarditis patients

The accuracy of surgical scores in predicting in-hospital mortality for nonsurgically treated patients with infective endocarditis (IE) has not yet been explored. Our goal is to establish scores to predict hospital mortality for patients with infective endocarditis who have not been treated with surgery. Patients with definite IE who did not undergo valve surgery were selected from the database from the database of the Ibn Rochd Casablanca University Hospital. The patients were scored using six systems specifically devised to predict in-hospital mortality after surgery for IE, three commonly used risk scores for heart surgery, and a ris k score for predicting six-month mortality in IE after either surgery or medical therapy. Calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow test) and discriminatory power (receiver operating characteristic [ROC] analysis) were assessed for each score. Areas under ROC curves were compared one-to-one. A total of 192 patients (mean age, 65.2 ± 15.2 years) were considered for analysis. There were 38 (19.8%) in-hospital deaths. Age > 70 years (P = 0.001), Staphylococcus aureus as causal agent (P = 0.05), and severe sepsis (P = 0.027) were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. Despite many differences in the number and type of variables, all but two of the investigated scores showed good calibration (P > 0.66). However, discriminatory power was satisfactory (area under ROC curve > 0.70) only for three of the scores specific for IE and two of the scores used to predict mortality after cardiac surgery. Among the 10 surgical scores evaluated in this study, five could be adopted to predict in-hospital mortality even for IE patients receiving medical treatment only.

Endocarditis-TR: Diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of the infective endocarditis patients admitting tertiary centres of Turkey.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is still a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among cardiovascular diseases. ENDOCARDITIS-TR study aims to evaluate the compliance of the diagnostic and therapeutic methods being used in Turkey with current guidelines. The ENDOCARDITIS-TR trial is a multicentre, prospective, observational study consisting of patients admitted to tertiary centres with a definite diagnose of IE. In addition to the demographic, clinical, microbiological, and echocardiographic findings of the patients, adverse events, indications for surgery, and in-hospital mortality were recorded during a 2-year time interval. A total of 208 IE patients from 7 tertiary centres in Turkey were enrolled in the study. The study population included 125 (60.1%) native valve IE (NVE), 65 (31.3%) prosthetic IE (PVIE), and 18 (8.7%) intracardiac device-related IE (CDRIE). One hundred thirty-five patients (64.9%) were culture positive, and the most frequent pathogenic agent was methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) (18.3%). Among 155 (74.5%) patients with an indication for surgery, only 87 (56.1%) patients underwent surgery. The all-cause mortality rate was 29.3% in-hospital follow-up. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that absence of surgery when indicated (HR: 3.29 95% CI: 0.93-11.64 p = 0.05), albumin level at admission (HR: 0.46 95% CI: 0.29-0.73 P < 0.01), abscess formation (HR: 2.11 95% CI: 1.01-4.38 p = 0.04) and systemic embolism (HR: 1.78 95% CI: 1.05-3.02 p = 0.03) were ascertained independent predictors of in-hospital all-cause mortality. The short-term results of the ENDOCARDITIS-TR trial showed the high frequency of staphylococcal IE, relatively high in-hospital mortality rates, shortage of surgical treatment despite guideline-based surgical indications and low usage of novel imaging techniques. The results of this study will provide a better insight to physicians in respect to their adherence to clinical practice guidelines.