Risk Factors For Infective Endocarditis Research Articles

Clinicomicrobiological risk factors for infective endocarditis in viridans group streptococci bacteraemia.

When to perform echocardiography to rule out infective endocarditis (IE) in patients with viridans group streptococci (VGS) bloodstream infections (BSIs) is unclear. We aimed to identify independent risk factors for IE in patients with VGS BSI. This retrospective study conducted at Seoul National University Hospital from January 2013 to December 2022 involved patients with VGS and nutritionally variant streptococcal BSI, excluding single positive blood cultures and polymicrobial BSI cases. Independent risk factors were identified by multivariate logistic regression and sensitivity analyses according to echocardiography results, VGS species or the inclusion of possible IE cases. Of 845 VGS BSI cases, 349 were analysed and 86 IE cases were identified (24.6%). In the multivariate analysis, heart valve disease [adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 14.14, 95% CI, 6.14-32.58; P < 0.001], persistent bacteraemia (aOR, 5.12, 95% CI, 2.03-12.94; P = 0.001), age (per year, aOR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96-1.00; P = 0.015), solid cancer (aOR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.13-0.53; P < 0.001) and haematologic malignancy (aOR, 0.04; 95% CI, 0.01-0.41; P = 0.006) were independently associated with IE. Sensitivity analyses yielded consistent results; also, infection by a member of the mitis group was independent risk factor for IE (aOR, 6.50; 95% CI, 2.87-14.68; P < 0.001). Younger age, heart valve disease, persistent bacteraemia, absence of underlying malignancy and BSI by a member of the mitis group were independent risk factors for IE in patients with VGS BSI. Echocardiographic evaluation could be prudently considered based on these clinicomicrobiological risk factors.

#1916 Infective endocarditis in young female hemodialysis patient: a case report and literature review

Abstract Background and Aims Infective endocarditis (IE) in hemodialysis patient is one of major infective and cardiovascular complications with high morbidity and mortality. Compared to general population, incidence of IE among hemodialysis (HD) patients is 50-60 times higher. Despite the devastating implications, there is no particular preventive measures of IE for HD patients. Previous studies revealed leading risk factors for IE in HD population including use of central venous catheters (CVCs), first 6 months period of renal replacement therapy (RRT), aortic valve disease, and previous endocarditis. Case Summary We report a case of IE in a 21-year-old female hemodialysis patient using AV fistula for the past 16 months with no prior history of heart valve disease, previous endocarditis, and IV drug abuse. Patient presented with fever of 38.5°C, dyspnea, and cough since three days before admission. Physical examination revealed grade 5 pansystolic murmur with punctum maximum at apex. Vegetation on the anterior mitral leaflet (AML) was first detected through trans-thoracal echocardiography. Patient was treated with ceftriaxone and vancomycin for 14 days, followed by oral antibiotics in outpatient setting after clinical resolution. Conclusion This case provides insight of the occurrence of IE in relatively young patient in the absence of well-known risk factors, making strict prevention, prompt diagnosis and treatment are of the utmost importance. Possible pathophysiological mechanisms for IE in HD patients are bacteremia from repeated vascular manipulation and valvular calcification that compromises valve to colonization. Therefore, besides infection prevention, managing the progression of valvular calcification among HD patients remains an issue to be addressed in future studies.

#3043 Epidemiology of infective endocarditis in long term hemodialysis patients in France, from 2014 to 2019

Abstract Background and Aims Infective endocarditis (IE) is a frequent pathology among patients treated with long-term hemodialysis (HD). Its epidemiology and risk factors are scarcely reported in this specific population in France. This study aims to describe the frequency and characteristics of IE in long-term hemodialysis patients in mainland France. Method From the national Programme de médicalisation des systèmes d'information (PMSI) data, we selected patients initiating a renal replacement therapy by long-term hemodialysis from 2014 to 2017, with a follow up from 2017 to 2019. Within this population, we defined hospitalizations due to IE by using the CIM-10 coding system. We analyzed various comorbidities such as sociodemographic factors, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and vascular access, identified within the PMSI during a minimum duration of 4 years, looking for IE risk factors. As the IE incidence has a low frequency for this follow up length, it was analyzed with a Poisson distribution model. Results We studied 38 569 patients, with a 36 month follow up. Fig. 1 shows IE incidence during the follow up, in which we identified 2492 cases of EI. The incidence rate was 6.69, or 7 out of 100 000 at first month and 1.97 out of 100 000 at twelve months. In multivariate analysis we found the following risk factors associated with EI: having a central vascular catheter (CVC) as initial vascular access while starting renal replacement therapy, compared to an arteriovenous fistula, OR 2.49 [2.29-2.71], diabetes OR 1.25 [1.14-1.35], cardiovascular conditions OR 1.35 [1.23-1.48] and increasing age was associated with a reduction of an IE diagnosis odds. Conclusion Our study highlights a high IE frequency among long-term hemodialysis patients. Its incidence is particularly high during the first year and decreases afterwards. The main risk factors were: CVC, preexisting cardiovascular conditions and diabetes.

CARDIOVASCULAR INVOLVEMENT IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Abstract Background Cardiovascular involvement is frequent in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Aortic insufficiency is a common valvular abnormality seen in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), it may be caused by a primary valve pathology or by an aortitis One of the cardiac manifestations associated with SLE and antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS) is Libman–Sacks endocarditis, also known as non–bacterial thrombotic endocarditis Although rare, there are reported cases of lupus aortitis which has also been associated with dissection, aneurysm and thrombus. Case Report We present a case of a 40 –years–old lady with lupus glomerulonephritis requiring immunosuppression and dialysis, who presented to the emergency department with fever and dyspnea. She was first treated with dialysis. Blood cultures drawn from central venous catheter peripheral were positive for staphylococcus epidermidis, the cultures from peripheral blood was negative instead.Transthoracic and transesophageal Echocardiography showed severe aortic regurgitation (not present three month earlier) with doubt valvular vegetations and with a focal enlargement of the aortic root (figure 1, 2).The patient met one major criterion (blood culture) and two minor criteria (high risk and fever), implying possible infective endocarditis. The patient was then started on intravenous antibiotics (vancomycin) and immunosuppression was reduced. Given the hemodynamic instability due to the severe aortic insufficiency, an Heart CT scan was performed to planned the surgical intervention. The CT scan confirmed the presence of small, multiple vegetation attached to the aortic leaflet and an aortic dissection on the right coronary cusp (figure 3). She proceeded to urgent surgery with aortic valve and aortic root replacement, the histology revealed evidence of Libman–Sacks endocarditis and aortitis. Discussion Our patient showed two different cardiovascular complications of SLE: the more frequent Libman –Sack endocarditis and the rare lupus aortitis associated to aortic dissection.The patient had risk factors for infective endocarditis and she did fulfil the modified Duke’s criteria for infective endocarditis and was treated with antibiotics and with a reduction of immunosuppression therapy. In fact, it can be difficult to distinguish between infective endocarditis and Libman–Sacks endocarditis especially in the setting of risk factors for both. Antibiotics and immunosuppressants should be used both.

Heart failure — An unexplored risk factor for infective endocarditis after pacemaker implantation

BackgroundWith the widespread use of permanent pacemakers (PPM), and increased mortality associated with pacemaker endocarditis, it is essential to evaluate comorbidities that could potentially increase the risk of infective endocarditis (IE). Heart failure (HF), a common comorbidity, has not been well studied as an independent risk factor for development of IE in individuals with PPM. MethodsThe US National Inpatient Sample database was used to sample individuals with PPM. Patients with concomitant implantable cardioverter defibrillator, acute heart failure, history of endocarditis, intravenous drug use, prosthetic heart valves, or central venous catheter infection were excluded. Propensity matching was performed to match patients with and without HF. Pre- and post-match logistic regression was performed to assess HF as an independent risk factor for IE. A subgroup analysis was performed comparing IE rates between patients with HF with reduced (HFrEF) vs preserved (HFpEF) ejection fraction. ResultsOut of 333,571 patients with PPM included in the study, 121,862 (37 %) had HF. HF patients were older and had a higher prevalence of females. All comorbidities except for dental disease and cancer were more prevalent in the HF group. Patients with HF were 1.30 times more likely to develop IE [OR: 1.30 (1.16–1.47); p < 0.001]. The two cohorts were then matched for age, gender, and 20 comorbidities using a 1:1 propensity score matching algorithm. After matching, HF was still independently associated with increased risk of IE [OR: 1.62 (1.36–1.93); p < 0.001]. In our sub-group analysis, HFrEF and HFpEF patients had similar IE rates. ConclusionIn PPM population, HF was associated with an increased risk of IE compared to those without HF. We hypothesize that HF being a low-flow and high-inflammatory state might have contributed to this increased risk. Larger studies are required to corroborate our findings and evaluate the need for antimicrobial prophylaxis for this population.

Endocardite infectieuse : facteurs prédictifs de mortalité intrahospitalière

IntroductionInfective endocarditis (IE) remains a serious disease with significant morbidity and mortality despite therapeutic advancements. The aim of our study was to determine the predictive factors of in-hospital mortality. Patients and methodsA prospective comparative study over a period of 54 months was conducted, including all patients admitted for definite infective endocarditis, diagnosed according to the modified Duke criteria published in 2015 by the European Society of Cardiology. ResultsThirty-four patients were included. Drug addiction was the main risk factor for infective endocarditis (56%). Tricuspid valve involvement was predominant (50%). Staphylococcus aureus was the most commonly isolated pathogen (65%). In-hospital mortality rate was 47%. In multivariate analysis, predictive factors for mortality were acute heart failure (OR=7.4; p=0.026; 95% CI [1.2–44]) and cerebral embolic localization (OR=11.1; p=0.024; 95% CI [13–90]). ConclusionsCardiac and cerebral complications influence the prognosis of IE. Thus, close collaboration among multidisciplinary teams is necessary for improved diagnostic and therapeutic management.

Changes in the Etiological Structure and Specifics When Choosing Antibacterial Therapy Against Infective Endocarditis in Pediatric Practice

Infective endocarditis in children is a rare disease, which often has an extremely serious prognosis. The most common risk factor for infective endocarditis in this category of patients is the history of congenital heart disease. At the same time, currently, the disruption of the integrity of the peripheral vascular bed is increasingly noted, among the predisposing causes, due to invasive diagnostic and therapeutic medical procedures, as well as severe somatic diseases. In accordance with the developed recommendations, the appointment of antibacterial therapy for infective endocarditis should be based on etiotropic orientation. Taking these circumstances into account, the article presents an overview of the data reflecting the issues of etiology and choice of antibacterial therapy for infective endocarditis in pediatric practice.

Infective Endocarditis in an Intravenous Drug User Leading to Myocardial Rupture and Hemopericardium.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is an infectious disorder of the innermost lining of the heart that can be fatal if left untreated. Infective endocarditis can spread beyond the endocardium into the myocardium and cause arrhythmias and myocardial wall rupture. Individuals with a history of intravenous drug use are at increased risk of developing IE and are at higher risk of dying, given their limited access to health care and adherence to treatment. A medicolegal autopsy was performed on a 30-year-old woman with a history of intravenous drug use and recent assault after a hospital admission during which she did not survive resuscitation. The cause of death was found to be myocardial rupture in the setting of transmural IE. Postmortem imaging showed hemopericardium which was identified grossly with valvular vegetations in the heart. A ventricular wall defect along with transmural abscess formation was identified. Perimortem toxicology was positive for fentanyl, methamphetamine, and benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine. Postmortem blood cultures were positive for coagulase-negative Staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida tropicalis, and Viridians group Streptococci. Postmortem tissue cultures taken from the heart was positive for Candida glabrata and Streptococcus mitis. The decedent had significant risk factors for IE, such as intravenous drug use and a prior admission to hospital for IE. The organisms identified on culture are in-keeping with the gross findings of IE and the terminal event of myocardial rupture was likely the result of tissue damage resulting from IE.

Atrial septal defect patients have an elevated risk for infective endocarditis

Abstract Background It has been unclear whether simple atrial septal defect (ASD) is an independent risk factor for infective endocarditis (IE). This study aimed to untangle the risk of endocarditis in a large nationwide cohort. Methods We acquired data from the Finnish hospital discharge register on all individuals with ASD diagnosis from 1969 to 2019. Patients with complex congenital cardiac abnormalities were ruled out. Five individualized controls from the general population were matched to the ASD patient's birth year, sex, and residence at the index date. All the patients with ICD-8, -9, or -10 diagnosis codes for IE were gathered from the hospital discharge registry. Results After exclusion, 8322 ASD patients and 39 237 individualized controls were enrolled in the study. Median follow-up was 21.6 years (IQR 11.8-36.9) from the first hospital contact. In total, 24 (16 male) cases of infective endocarditis among ASD patients and 10 (8 male) cases among controls were diagnosed during the follow-up. The incidence of endocarditis was 0.11 per 1000 person-years in the ASD patients and 0.011 per 1000 person-years in the controls. The adjusted risk ratio for endocarditis was 13.51 (95% CI: 6.20–29.46) in ASD patients compared to the control cohort. Patients with ASD and endocarditis had higher long-term mortality than individualized control patients (MRR 2.25, 95% CI: 1.23-4.11). Conclusions The incidence of endocarditis in atrial septal defect patients is higher than in the general population, and ASD seems to carry an increased risk of developing endocarditis.Cumulative incidence of endocarditisSurvival after endocarditis diagnosis

One-year outcome of elderly patients with endocarditis: a retrospective observational study

Abstract Background The incidence of infective endocarditis (IE) is rising in general population, especially in elderly, where it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Health care procedures, degenerative heart valve diseases and intracardiac electronic devices are the main risk factors for IE in elderly population. Cardiac surgery is largely underused in these patients and the few available observational studies seem to confirm the positive outcome of surgery. Purpose The aim of the present study is to assess differences in survival between elderly patients affected by endocarditis treated with a conservative strategy or cardiac surgery. Methods We conducted a retrospective observational study of 143 elderly patients (age ≥ 70 years old) affected by endocarditis with at least one year of follow-up who were hospitalized between 2016 and 2022. The primary endpoint was the difference in one-year all-cause mortality between patients treated with a conservative strategy or cardiac surgery. The secondary endpoint was one-year mortality for sepsis or septic shock. The cumulative probability of survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier estimator. The log-rank test was used to compare between-group differences in survival and cox regression was used in the uni and multivariate analysis, a p&amp;lt;0.05 was considered significant. Results Between 2016 and 2022, 242 patients have been diagnosed with IE. Between them, 143 patients were at least 70 years old (59%). Cardiac surgery was performed in 16 patients, while 127 were treated with medical therapy alone. Patients treated with cardiac surgery were younger (74y vs 80y, p=0.005) and had higher prevalence of severe valvular heart disease (69% vs 23%, p&amp;lt; 0.001). The primary endpoint of one-year all-cause mortality occurred in 80 patients in the conservative strategy group and in 5 patients treated with surgery (p=0.015); the secondary endpoint occurred in 42 patients in conservative strategy group, while no patients treated with surgery died for sepsis or septic shock (p=0.006). Finally, surgery was associated with better one-year survival (HR 0.34, 95% CI 0.14 - 0.85). Conclusions IE in elderly patients is an emerging clinical matter since its incidence is rising but mortality has not significantly decreased. Current clinical guidelines do not give specific indication for elderly, who are generally excluded from surgery due to the high risk carried by age and comorbidities. Few previous studies have analyzed the best treatment strategy in this cohort of patients, but data from observational studies shows a better outcome among those undergone surgery. The result of our work confirmed that elderly patients with IE treated with cardiac surgery have better one-year survival and lower rate of death for all causes, sepsis or septic shockKaplan Mayer Curve For One-Year Survival

Do we need to improve the general oral health of our population to reduce the risk of Infective Endocarditis?

Abstract Background Emphasis is placed on the link between oral health and Infective Endocarditis (IE), particularly around odontogenic infections and specific dental procedures. The Adult Dental Health Survey in 2009 showed 45% of adults in the UK required dental intervention typically associated with developing IE. Antibiotic prophylaxis in this context is not without controversy. With gum and periodontic disease endemic, is the modern issue one of generalised poor oral health as a risk factor for IE? Purpose To determine the impact of oral health on risk and outcome in IE. Terminology SDCEP published dental guidelines of when to consider AP against IE for dental procedures. It identifies dental procedures that can cause transient bacteraemia. Methodology Data were collected from October 2020-Januaury 2023 in 123 patients with confirmed IE at a central London cardiac surgical centre. Patients had a focussed dental assessment with history, intraoral examination and dental panoramic radiograph to determine the risk and extent of oral disease. Results Average age was 54.2years. 77/123 (63%) had native IE (NVE) and 46 (37%) prosthetic (PVE). 17 (37%) cultured oral organisms from blood (Table 1); 8 (47%) of these organisms are associated with active dental disease (decay, periodontal disease, dental infection). Organisms can be found in Table 2. However, 93/123 (76%) had oral caries requiring dental treatment, irrespective of typical portal of entry for that organism. The proposed dental treatment posed a high risk for causing IE in 70%. 93/123 (76%) needed further dental treatment within six months rendering only 12% of patients orally stable. Oral organisms were seen more frequently in NVE (41/77) vs PVE (17/46). There was no difference in the incidence of dental disease requiring treatment (77% NVE vs 74% PVE). Whilst 27% of PVE had had recent (within 4 months) dental treatment compared to 73% NVE, only 1 PVE patient grew an oral commensal compared to 82% of NVE patients. Conclusion Prevention of IE is key to reducing the morbidity and mortality of this disease. We see oral commensals causing IE in 47%, with only 12% of this modern IE cohort dentally stable. Despite this, there was no difference in rates of dental disease requiring invasive treatment when stratified by oral vs non-oral organisms. A robust public health strategy is required to reduce the risk of oral disease driving IE.

COVID-19-associated MRSA infective endocarditis and mitral valve perforation: a case report

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a global pandemic, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The interplay between COVID-19 and other medical conditions can complicate diagnosis and management, necessitating further exploration.Case presentationThis case report presents a patient with COVID-19 who developed infective endocarditis (IE) and mitral valve perforation caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus on a native mitral valve. Notably, the patient did not exhibit typical IE risk factors, such as intravenous drug use. However, he did possess risk factors for bacteremia, including a history of diabetes mellitus and recent steroid use due to the COVID-19 infection. The diagnosis of IE was crucially facilitated by transesophageal echocardiography.ConclusionsThis case highlights the potential association between COVID-19 and the development of infective endocarditis. Prompt evaluation using transesophageal echocardiography is vital when there is a high suspicion of IE in COVID-19 patients. Further research is required to elucidate the precise relationship between COVID-19 and IE.

Microbiota present in combined endodontic-periodontal diseases and its risks for endocarditis.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is an inflammatory disease usually caused by bacteria that enter the bloodstream and establish infections in the inner linings or valves of the heart, including blood vessels. Despite the availability of modern antimicrobial and surgical treatments, IE continues to cause substantial morbidity and mortality. Oral microbiota is considered one of the most significant risk factors for IE. The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiota present in root canal (RC) and periodontal pocket (PP) clinical samples in cases with combined endo-periodontal lesions (EPL) to detect species related to IE using NGS. Microbial samples were collected from 15 RCs and their associated PPs, also from 05 RCs with vital pulp tissues (negative control, NC). Genomic studies associated with bioinformatics, combined with structuring of a database (genetic sequences of bacteria reported for infective endocarditis), allowed for the assessment of the microbial community at both sites. Functional prediction was conducted using PICRUSt2. Parvimonas, Streptococcus, and Enterococcus were the major genera detected in the RCs and PPs. A total of 79, 96, and 11 species were identified in the RCs, PPs, and NCs, respectively. From them, a total of 34 species from RCs, 53 from PPs, and 2 from NCs were related to IE. Functional inference demonstrated that CR and PP microbiological profiles may not be the only risk factors for IE but may also be associated with systemic diseases, including myocarditis, human cytomegalovirus infection, bacterial invasion of epithelial cells, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Additionally, it was possible to predict antimicrobial resistance variants for broad-spectrum drugs, including ampicillin, tetracycline, and macrolides. Microorganisms present in the combined EPL may not be the only risk factor for IE but also for systemic diseases. Antimicrobial resistance variants for broad-spectrum drugs were inferred based on PICRUSt-2. State-of-the-art sequencing combined with bioinformatics has proven to be a powerful tool for conducting studies on microbial communities and could considerably assist in the diagnosis of serious infections. Few studies have investigated the microbiota in teeth compromised by combined endo-periodontal lesions (EPL), but none have correlated the microbiological findings to any systemic condition, particularly IE, using NGS techniques. In such cases, the presence of apical periodontitis and periodontal disease can increase IE risk in susceptible patients.

Risk factors for infective endocarditis in patients receiving hemodialysis: A propensity score matched cohort study.

In patients receiving hemodialysis, infective endocarditis (IE) may present in a similar way to other causes of bacteremia, which may delay early diagnosis and can lead to worse outcomes. In this study, we aimed to identify the risk factors for IE in hemodialysis patients with bacteremia. This study was conducted on all patients diagnosed with IE and receiving hemodialysis between 2005 and 2018 in Salford Royal Hospital. Patients with IE were propensity score matched with similar hemodialysis patients with episodes of bacteremia between 2011 and 2015 (non-IE bacteremic (NIEB)). Logistic regression analysis was used to predict the risk factors associated with infective endocarditis. There were 35 cases of IE, and these were propensity matched with 70 NIEB cases. The median age of the patients was 65 years with a predominance of males (60%). The IE group had higher peak C-reactive protein compared to the NIEB group (median, 253 mg/L vs. 152, p = 0.001). Patients with IE had a longer duration of prior dialysis catheter use than NIEB patients (150 vs. 28.5 days: p = 0.004). IE patients had a much higher 30-day mortality rate (37.1% vs. 17.1%, p = 0.023). Logistic regression analysis showed previous valvular heart disease (OR: 29.7; p < 0.001), and a higher baseline C-reactive protein (OR: 1.01; p = 0.001) as significant predictors for infective endocarditis. Bacteremia in patients receiving hemodialysis through a catheter access should be actively investigated with a high index of suspicion for infective endocarditis, particularly in those with known valvular heart disease and a higher baseline C-reactive protein.

Risk and Outcome of Infective Endocarditis in Streptococcal Bloodstream Infections according to Streptococcal Species.

This study aimed to identify which streptococcal species are closely associated with infective endocarditis (IE) and to evaluate risk factors for mortality in patients with streptococcal IE. We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients with streptococcal bloodstream infection (BSI) from January 2010 to June 2020 in a tertiary hospital in South Korea. We compared clinical and microbiological characteristics of streptococcal BSIs according to the diagnosis of IE. We performed multivariate analysis to evaluate the risk of IE according to streptococcal species and risk factors for mortality in streptococcal IE. A total of 2,737 patients were identified during the study period, and 174 (6.4%) were diagnosed with IE. The highest IE prevalence was in patients with Streptococcus mutans BSI (33% [9/27]) followed by S. sanguinis (31% [20/64]), S. gordonii (23% [5/22]), S. gallolyticus (16% [12/77]), and S. oralis (12% [14/115]). In multivariate analysis, previous IE, high-grade BSI, native valve disease, prosthetic valve, congenital heart disease, and community-onset BSI were independent risk factors for IE. After adjusting for these factors, S. sanguinis (adjusted OR [aOR], 7.75), S. mutans (aOR, 5.50), and S. gallolyticus (aOR, 2.57) were significantly associated with higher risk of IE, whereas S. pneumoniae (aOR, 0.23) and S. constellatus (aOR, 0.37) were associated with lower risk of IE. Age, hospital-acquired BSI, ischemic heart disease, and chronic kidney disease were independent risk factors for mortality in streptococcal IE. Our study points to significant differences in the prevalence of IE in streptococcal BSI according to species. IMPORTANCE Our study of risk of infective endocarditis in patients with streptococcal bloodstream infection demonstrated that Streptococcus sanguinis, S. mutans, and S. gallolyticus were significantly associated with higher risk of infective endocarditis. However, when we evaluated the performance of echocardiography in patients with streptococcal bloodstream infection, patients with S. mutans and S. gordonii bloodstream infection had a tendency of low performance in echocardiography. There are significant differences in the prevalence of infective endocarditis in streptococcal bloodstream infection according to species. Therefore, performing echocardiography in streptococcal bloodstream infection with a high prevalence of, and significant association with, infective endocarditis is desirable.

Atrial septal defect patients have an elevated risk for infective endocarditis

Background. It has been unclear whether simple atrial septal defect (ASD) is an independent risk factor for infective endocarditis (IE). This study aimed to untangle the risk of endocarditis in a large nationwide cohort. Methods. We acquired data from the Finnish hospital discharge register on all individuals with ASD diagnosis from 1969 to 2019. Patients with complex congenital cardiac abnormalities were ruled out. Five individualized controls from the general population were matched to the ASD patient’s birth year, sex, and residence at the index date. All the patients with ICD-8, −9, or −10 diagnosis codes for IE were gathered from the hospital discharge registry. Results. Altogether, 8322 patients with ASD and 39,237 individualized controls were enrolled in the study. Median follow-up was 21.6 years (IQR 11.8–36.9) from the first hospital contact. In total, 24 (16 male) cases of infective endocarditis among ASD patients and 10 (8 male) cases among controls were diagnosed during the follow-up. The incidence of endocarditis was 0.11 per 1000 person-years in the patients with ASD and 0.011 per 1000 person-years in the controls. The adjusted risk ratio for endocarditis was 13.51 (95% CI: 6.20–29.46) in patients with ASD compared to the control cohort. Patients with ASD and endocarditis had higher long-term mortality than individualized control patients (MRR 2.25, 95% CI: 1.23–4.11). Conclusions. The incidence of IE in patients with ASD was higher than in the general population. Mortality associated with IE was higher in patients with ASD compared to controls.

Streptococcus oralis pulmonic valve endocarditis: a case report and review of the literature

BackgroundSeveral factors increase the risk of right-sided endocarditis. The tricuspid valve is usually involved in right-sided endocarditis cases. Infective endocarditis of the pulmonic valve is rare, and few cases of pulmonic valve endocarditis were reported previously.Case presentationHere we describe a case of a 81-year-old Middle Eastern male patient, admitted to our hospital three times in a period of 2 months for fever and cough. He had Streptococcus oralis bacteremia with vegetation that was on the pulmonic valve. We diagnosed him with pulmonic valve endocarditis, and he was treated successfully with intravenous antibiotics.ConclusionIt is important to keep high suspicion for isolated pulmonic valve endocarditis in patients with respiratory symptoms. Adequate dental care is important in patients with risk factors for infective endocarditis.

Risk factors and survival analysis of haemodialysis complicated with infective endocarditis.

The clinical features and risk factors for survival time were analysed in haemodialysis patients complicated with infective endocarditis. A total of 101 infective endocarditis (IE) patients treated at Hangzhou First People's Hospital, from January 1, 2012, to April 1, 2022, were included in the present study. Baseline demographic data and laboratory data were collected for statistical analysis of risk factors and survival time in the IE with haemodialysis group (HD-IE group, n=15) and the IE without haemodialysis group (NHD-IE group, n=86). Haemoglobin, red blood cells, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, serum albumin, diabetes, invasive procedures, positive blood bacteria culture, heart valve calcification ratio, and left ventricular ejection fraction level were risk factors for infective endocarditis complicated with haemodialysis (P<0.05). Compared with the NHD-IE group, the HD-IE group had an obviously increased risk of mortality (χ2=6.323, P=0.012). The univariate Cox regression analysis showed that age, haemoglobin, red blood cells, serum albumin, left ventricular ejection score, longest vegetation diameter, combined hypotension and diabetes were risk factors for death; furthermore, multivariate Cox regression showed that age (HR=1.187, P=0.015), combined hypotension (HR=0.921, P=0.025) and the longest vegetation diameter (HR=9.191, P=0.004) were independent risk factors affecting the survival of patients. Collectively, the present study revealed that the mortality rate of HD-IE patients was higher than that of NHD-IE patients. Older age, hypotension, and the longest vegetation diameter were independent risk factors affecting the survival of patients. For HD-IE patients, active and effective antibiotic treatment or surgical treatment should be strongly recommended.

Extensive right‐sided endocarditis in double‐chamber right ventricle presented with leukocytoclastic vasculitis

Congenital heart disease is a risk factor for infective endocarditis (IE). Ventricular septal defects and ventricular outflow tract obstructions are this population's most common causes of endocarditis. We present a patient diagnosed with leukocytoclastic vasculitis, renal, and pulmonary involvement with right-sided IE as an etiology for vasculitis.

Clinical Presentation and Risk Factors of Infective Endocarditis in the Elderly: A Systematic Review

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a bacterial infection with high morbidity and mortality rates, particularly among the elderly. This systematic review was conducted to determine the clinical characteristics of IE in older adults and the risk factors that could lead to adverse outcomes. The research employed three databases (PubMed, Wiley, and Web of Science), with a primary search for studies that have described cases of IE in patients older than 65 years. From a total of 555 articles, 10 were selected for inclusion in the current study, comprising a total of 2222 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of IE. The primary findings were an increased incidence of staphylococcal and streptococcal infections (33.4% and32.0%, respectively), an increased prevalence of comorbidities, namely, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer, and a significantly greater mortality risk than the younger group. Regarding mortality risks, the pooled odds ratio for cardiac disorders was OR = 3.81, septic shock OR = 8.22, renal complications OR = 3.75, and advancing age OR = 3.54 were most frequently mentioned. Taking into consideration the fact that the majority of the elderly population suffers from significant complications and is unable to undergo surgery due to an increased risk of complications after the procedure, it is imperative that effective treatment methods should be investigated.