Therapy For Infective Endocarditis Research Articles

Heartbreaking Decisions: The Dogma and Uncertainties of Antimicrobial Therapy in Infective Endocarditis.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare but increasingly prevalent disease with high morbidity and mortality, requiring antimicrobials and at times surgical intervention. Through the decades of healthcare professionals' experience with managing IE, certain dogmas and uncertainties have arisen around its pharmacotherapy. The introduction of new antimicrobials and novel combinations are exciting developments but also further complicate IE treatment choices. In this review, we provide and evaluate the relevant evidence focused around contemporary debates in IE treatment pharmacotherapy, including beta-lactam choice in MSSA IE, combination therapies (aminoglycosides, ceftaroline), the use of oral antimicrobials, the role of rifamycins, and long-acting lipoglycopeptides.

Relai oral de l'antibiothérapie dans les endocardites infectieuses : un pas à franchir?

Infective endocarditis (IE) are severe conditions requiring prolonged intravenous antibiotics. Those antibiotics regimens are recommended since long ago but nowadays several antibiotics have a great bioavailability and there is more clinical evidence of the reliability of an oral step-down antibiotic therapy. We found several observational studies and two clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of an oral step-down antibiotic therapy vs prolonged intravenous course for IE. These studies showed no significant difference between oral or intravenous therapy and generally with less adverse event. The oral step-down therapy for infective endocarditis, after few days of intravenous initiation, seems to be an acceptable alternative treatment. New European recommendation coming in 2023 for IE, should officialize the place of oral step-down regimen as more clinical trials are underway to confirm the efficiency of these oral regimens.

Microbiologic diagnostics and pathogen spectrum in infective endocarditis of surgically treated patients: a five-year, retrospective, monocentric study.

The spectrum of causative organisms in infective endocarditis (IE) has changed significantly in the last decades. Reliable pathogen detection is crucial for appropriate antimicrobial therapy for IE. The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of microbiological methods for detecting the causative microorganism of IE and to analyze the spectrum of pathogens. A total of 224 cases (211 unique patients, some with multiple surgeries) were included into this retrospective study. Patients were diagnosed with IE according to the modified Duke criteria from January 2016 to July 2021 and underwent heart valve surgery in a tertiary hospital. Pathogen detection was performed by blood culture, microbiological culture and 16S rDNA PCR of explanted heart valve material. A causative pathogen of IE was detected in 95.5% (n = 214) of cases. Blood cultures were positive in 83.3%, while a pathogen in the examined heart valve samples was identified in 32.6% by culture and in 88.2% by 16S rDNA PCR. A microorganism was identified by 16S rDNA PCR in 61.1% of blood culture negative cases but only in 19.4% by heart valve culture. The most common pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus (27%), viridans group streptococci (20%), enterococci (19%) and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS 8%). Cutibacterium acnes (7%) was detected in prosthetic valve IE cases only. Blood culture as a comparatively non-invasive and straightforward technique remains an important and reliable method for initial detection of the causative organism in IE. Diagnostic stewardship programs should broadly emphasize proper collection of blood cultures, particularly sampling prior to any antibiotic treatment. Additionally, molecular testing using 16S rDNA tissue PCR can be used with culture techniques to increase the diagnostic yield, especially in the case of a negative blood culture.

Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy for Infective Endocarditis—Model of Care

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious infectious disease with significant mortality and morbidity placing a burden on healthcare systems. Outpatient antimicrobial therapy in selected patients has been shown to be safe and beneficial to both patients and the healthcare system. In this article, we review the literature on the model of care for outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy in infective endocarditis and propose that systems of care be developed based on local resources and all patients admitted with infective endocarditis be screened appropriately for outpatient antimicrobial therapy.

Outcomes of Treatment for Infective Endocarditis Following Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement.

Recipients of transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) have shown increased risk of infective endocarditis (IE). Little is known about the outcomes of different management strategies, particularly surgery, for IE after TPVR. We queried the Pediatric Health Information System database for cases of IE after TPVR performed from 2010-2020. We described patient demographics, hospital courses, admission complications, and treatment outcomes based on therapy offered, surgical or medical only. We compared outcomes of initial therapy. Data are expressed as median or percent. Sixty-nine cases of IE were identified, accounting for 98 related hospital admissions; 29% of patients recorded IE-related readmissions. Of those readmitted after initial medical therapy only, 33% had relapse IE. Rates of surgery were 22% during initial admission and 36% overall. Likelihood of surgical intervention increased with each subsequent admission. Renal and respiratory failure were more common in those given initial surgery. Mortality rate was 4.3% overall and 8% in the surgical cohort. Initial medical therapy may result in relapses/readmissions and possible delay of surgical therapy, which appears to be most effective for treatment of IE. For those treated only medically, a more aggressive course of therapy may be more likely to prevent relapse. Mortality following surgical therapy for IE after TPVR appears higher than reported for surgical pulmonary valve replacement generally.

1808. Treatment Adherence and Outcomes Associated with Partial Oral Therapy vs. Intravenous Therapy in Patients with Serious Staphylococcus aureus Infections: A Comparative Effectiveness Study

Abstract Background Randomized trials found oral step-down therapy to be as effective as intravenous (IV) therapy for infective endocarditis and bone and joint infections. However, the comparative effectiveness of IV versus oral step-down therapy for deep seated Staphylococcus aureus infections outside of the clinical trial setting is unknown. The objectives of this study were to compare treatment adherence and clinical outcomes between these two approaches in clinical practice. Methods This was a retrospective comparative effectiveness study involving adults hospitalized at an academic, safety net hospital between January 2019 to June 2021 with bacteremia, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, or septic arthritis due to S. aureus. Based on initial treatment plans, patients were categorized and analyzed in two groups: all IV or IV followed by oral step-down therapy. The co-primary outcomes were antibiotic adherence (percent of planned course received) and the proportion who completed therapy. The key secondary outcome of clinical failure was a composite of all-cause mortality, recurrent or new metastatic site of S. aureus infection, or requirement of an unplanned source control procedure. Results Of 249 patients included, 101 were in the all IV and 148 were in the oral step-down groups. Indications for treatment were osteomyelitis (72%), complicated bacteremia (25%), endocarditis (22%), septic arthritis (11%), and uncomplicated bacteremia (8%). Active substance abuse was observed in 43% of the IV group and 55% in the oral group. Between the all IV and oral step-down groups, antibiotic adherence rates did not differ significantly (Table); antibiotic therapy was completed by 93% vs 87% of patients (p = 0.13), respectively. Clinical failure occurred in 25% of the all IV group and 26% of the oral step-down group (p = 0.87). The frequency of other secondary outcomes was similar between groups; however, hospital length of stay was significantly longer in the IV group (Table). Table 1 Note: data presented as n (%) unless otherwise specified *within 6 months of hospital admission date for index infection Conclusion In clinical practice, oral step-down therapy for serious S. aureus infections was associated with similar rates of treatment adherence and completion, clinical outcomes and less health care resource utilization compared with IV therapy. Our findings support use of oral step-down therapy as an effective alternative to IV therapy. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.

411: CEFAZOLIN VERSUS NAFCILLIN IN THE TREATMENT OF MSSA ENDOCARDITIS

Introduction: Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) is associated with considerable mortality, particularly in infections such as infective endocarditis (IE). Current guidelines endorse nafcillin (NAF) as first-line therapy for MSSA IE, while cefazolin (CFZ) is an alternative for patients with penicillin allergy. Reluctance in using CFZ stems from the inoculum effect, a phenomenon of reduced CFZ susceptibility in the presence of high organism burden. CFZ is more conveniently dosed with a favorable safety profile, positioning it as an appealing option for the prolonged treatment duration required for IE. New evidence suggests similar rates of clinical failure between CFZ and NAF in MSSA bacteremia, but data in IE, where organism inoculum is higher, is limited. This study compares the effectiveness and safety of CFZ and NAF in patients with MSSA IE. Methods: This multicenter retrospective cohort study included patients with definite or possible MSSA IE from 2015-2021. Subjects were treated with CFZ or NAF within 48 hours of MSSA identification. The primary outcome examined 30-day all-cause mortality, persistent bacteremia, and changes in agent due to treatment failure. Secondary outcomes are treatment failure, and adverse events. Results: Among 140 patients, 111 received CFZ and 29 were treated with NAF. While groups had comparable durations of antibiotic therapy, CFZ patients experienced significantly shorter hospital stays at a median of 15 days compared to 24 days in the NAF group. There was no significant difference between 90-day mortality, readmission, or reinfection between treatment groups, although NAF showed a significantly increased incidence of persistent bacteremia. Beyond this, treatment NAF led to more LFT elevations, acute kidney injury and a higher rate of antimicrobial switches. Conclusions: CFZ demonstrated comparable effectiveness to NAF in the treatment of MSSA IE. Significantly fewer patients in the CFZ group had persistent bacteremia, while patients receiving NAF required more changes in therapy. This may be reflective of the significantly higher rate of acute kidney injury and LFT abnormalities. These results emphasize that CFZ continues to be better tolerated by patients, while the prospect of treatment failure from the inoculum effect was not evident in this study.

Diffusion of amoxicillin into heart valves from infective endocarditis patients.

Amoxicillin is the drug of choice in the management of streptococcal and enterococcal infective endocarditis (IE) but little is known regarding amoxicillin diffusion into infected heart valves. Herein, we assessed amoxicillin valvular distribution and related pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) target attainment in IE patients undergoing heart valve surgery. In this 2-year prospective study, patients with IE treated by continuous infusion of amoxicillin and undergoing a surgical valve replacement were included. Both amoxicillin plasma and tissue concentrations were measured the day of surgery. Amoxicillin concentration in plasma and crushed heart valves were measured by a validated liquid chromatography method coupled with ultra-violet and tandem mass spectrometry, respectively. MIC and MBC of amoxicillin were determined for all available isolates. The rate of achievement of PK/PD efficacy parameters were assessed. Twenty-two heart valves were removed from 20 patients. Bacterial aetiology was streptococcal (n = 17) and enterococcal (n = 3). Amoxicillin mean daily dose was 12 ± 3 g/24 h, mean plasma concentration was 29 ± 21 mg/L (n = 15), mean tissue concentration was 23 ± 15 mg/L (n = 22). Median diffusion rate was 62%. Patients reached a plasma concentration target >4XCMI (n = 13). Tissue concentrations were bactericidal for all streptococcal IE but not for enterococcal IE. Amoxicillin intravalvular measurements in IE treated patients showed significant penetration into the infectious site. These data are reassuring that in situ bactericidal concentrations can be largely achieved in the management of streptococcal IE and support the need for combination antibiotic therapy for enterococcal IE.

Molecular Targets for Antibody-Based Anti-Biofilm Therapy in Infective Endocarditis.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a heart disease caused by the infection of heart valves, majorly caused by Staphilococcus aureus. IE is initiated by bacteria entering the blood circulation in favouring conditions (e.g., during invasive procedures). So far, the conventional antimicrobial strategies based on the usage of antibiotics remain the major intervention for treating IE. Nevertheless, the therapeutic efficacy of antibiotics in IE is limited not only by the bacterial drug resistance, but also by the formation of biofilms, which resist the penetration of antibiotics into bacterial cells. To overcome these drawbacks, the development of anti-biofilm treatments that can expose bacteria and make them more susceptible to the action of antibiotics, therefore resulting in reduced antimicrobial resistance, is urgently required. A series of anti-biofilm strategies have been developed, and this review will focus in particular on the development of anti-biofilm antibodies. Based on the results previously reported in the literature, several potential anti-biofilm targets are discussed, such as bacterial adhesins, biofilm matrix and bacterial toxins, covering their antigenic properties (with the identification of potential promising epitopes), functional mechanisms, as well as the antibodies already developed against these targets and, where feasible, their clinical translation.

Antibacterial and Antifungal Management in Relation to the Clinical Characteristics of Elderly Patients with Infective Endocarditis: A Retrospective Analysis.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is increasingly prevalent in the elderly, particularly due to the rising frequency of invasive procedures and intracardiac devices placed on these individuals. Several investigations have highlighted the unique clinical and echocardiographic characteristics, the microorganisms implicated, and the prognosis of IE in the elderly. In addition, the old population seems to be fairly diverse, ranging from healthy individuals with no medical history to patients with many ailments and those who are immobile. Furthermore, the therapy of IE in this group has not been well investigated, and worldwide recommendations do not propose tailoring the treatment approach to the patient’s functional state and comorbid conditions. A multicenter research study was designed as a retrospective study of hospitalized patients with infective endocarditis, aiming to examine the characteristics of elderly patients over 65 years old with infective endocarditis in relation to the antibiotic and antifungal treatments administered, as well as to quantify the incidence of treatment resistance, adverse effects, and mortality in comparison to patients younger than 65. Based on a convenience sampling method, we included in the analysis a total of 78 patients younger than 65 and 131 patients older than 65 years. A total of 140 patients had endocarditis on native valves and 69 patients had endocarditis on prosthetic valves. A significantly higher proportion of elderly patients had signs of heart failure on admission, and the mortality rate was significantly higher in the elderly population. A majority of infections had a vascular cause, followed by dental, maxillo-facial, and ENT interventions. The most common complications of IE were systemic sepsis (48.1% of patients older than 65 years vs. 30.8% in the younger group). The most frequent bacterium involved was Staphylococcus aureus, followed by Streptococcus spp. in a total of more than 50% of all patients. The most commonly used antibiotics were cephalosporins in 33.5% of cases, followed by penicillin in 31.2% and glycopeptides in 28.7%, while Fluconazole was the initial option of treatment for fungal endocarditis in 24.9% of cases. Heart failure at admission (OR = 4.07), the development of septic shock (OR = 6.19), treatment nephrotoxicity (OR = 3.14), severe treatment complications (OR = 4.65), and antibiotic resistance (OR = 3.24) were significant independent risk factors for mortality in the elderly patients. Even though therapeutic management was initiated sooner in the older patients, the associated complications and mortality rate remained significantly greater than those in the patients under 65 years old.

Optimal empirical antimicrobial therapy in infective endocarditis.

The case report of left-sided infective endocarditis (IE) in intravenous drug use (IDU) reminds the importance of recognizing peripheral stigmata of IE with subsequent immediate aggressive management.1 However, the management of this patient, including inappropriate the choice of empirical antibiotics and no consideration of valve surgery (given large size of vegetation and systemic embolization), does not seem appropriate. The current literature recommends empirical antimicrobial coverage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and potentially antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacilli (including Pseudomonas spp.) in IDU-IE.2–4 A combination of vancomycin plus gentamicin or cefepime covers these bacteria and other potential agents pending culture results.2,3 MRSA, the commonest cause of both right- and left-sided IDU-IE, was not covered in the index case report before the blood cultures were obtained.2–5 Our large IE study, published from the same center (Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh), also supports the combination of vancomycin and gentamicin for empirical treatment in IDU-IE.6

Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Line Misuse Among People Who Inject Drugs While on Therapy for Infective Endocarditis

BackgroundPeople who inject drugs and have infective endocarditis have a high risk of recurrent infective endocarditis and death. We aimed to characterize clinical factors associated with mortality and assess the probability of infective endocarditis recurrence in the presence of death as a competing risk. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted of people who inject drugs, identified between April 5, 2007 and March 15, 2018 with the Modified Duke Criteria for definite infective endocarditis. Fine-Gray sub-distribution and Cox proportional hazards modeling were conducted to determine variables associated with the rate of infective endocarditis recurrence and mortality, respectively. ResultsOf the 310 patients with infective endocarditis who inject drugs, 236 experienced a single episode and 74 experienced recurrent episodes. Peripherally inserted central catheter misuse was associated with an increased rate of infective endocarditis recurrence (sub-distribution hazard ratio 2.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-4.98; P = .02) and mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 2.44; 95% CI, 1.15-5.17; P = .02). Non-right-sided infection, peripheral intravenous therapy, and intensive care unit admission were also associated with increased mortality. Oral therapy (HR 0.38; 95% CI, 0.16-0.91; P = .03), outpatient treatment (HR 0.39; 95% CI, 0.19-0.82; P = .01), and inpatient referral to addiction services (HR 0.39; 95% CI, 0.22-0.70; P = .002) were associated with a decrease in mortality. ConclusionsPatients who misuse their peripherally inserted central catheter are at higher risk of recurrent infective endocarditis and death. Avoidance of peripherally inserted central catheter lines and use of intravenous peripheral therapy did not reduce mortality, but oral therapy was associated with reduced risk. Inpatient addiction services referral is important.

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.

685. Evaluating the Role of Medication-assisted Treatment (MAT) in the Management of Infectious Endocarditis in People Who Inject Drugs (PWID)

Abstract Background An estimated 1.29-2.59 million people practice intravenous drug use (IVDU) in the United States making it a growing risk factor for infective endocarditis (IE). In people who inject drugs (PWID), IE accounts for 5-10% of total yearly deaths. IE often requires weeks of intravenous therapy with extensive medical follow-up. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if medication-assisted treatment (MAT) increased treatment retention and survival to optimize addiction assistance and IE treatment efforts. Methods A single-center, retrospective chart review was approved for patients admitted with an ICD-10 code of IE. A multidisciplinary group was created in April, 2019 aimed to improve endocarditis patient outcomes, formed of complex case coordination, infectious disease, cardiology, and pharmacy pain management service members. The historical period was January 1, 2018-March 31, 2019 and the IE pathway (IEP) group was April 1, 2019-June 30, 2020. Patients were excluded if there was no documentation of IVDU (Figure 1). The primary outcome was successful endocarditis therapy, defined per study protocol. Secondary outcomes include: against medical advice (AMA) departures, discharge naloxone prescriptions, clinical opioid withdrawal score (COWS) and patient reported pain. Figure 1. Study Population Methods for study population inclusion and exclusion Results A total of 419 IE patients were evaluated with 166 patients meeting inclusion criteria. The primary outcome was achieved in 51.2% of historical group and 48.8% of the IEP group (p=0.302). AMA departures and inpatient mortality were similar between the two groups. There was increased presence of the pharmacy pain management service with decreased time to consult in the IEP group (Figure 2). Last documented COWS were increased in the IEP group (p=0.002), while last reported patient pain scores decreased (p=0.030). More patients were started on MAT and discharged with naloxone in the IEP group (Table 3). Readmission was found to be higher in the IEP group (p=0.046). Post hoc analysis evaluating outcomes for patients seen by the endocarditis pathway team were similar between the two groups (Table 4). Figure 2. Secondary Outcome (Consult Services) The secondary outcomes of the study population are described comparing the presence and time to various consult services. **P-value indicates statistical significance. Abbreviations: n, number; ID, infectious disease; CT, cardiothoracic Table 3. Secondary Outcomes Table 4. Post Hoc Analysis Conclusion The multidisciplinary group was effective helping to guide the inpatient care of PWID and improve symptom management, but this did not translate to increased successful IE therapy or fewer readmissions. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Infective endocarditis: 10-year experience in a non-cardiovascular center.

Background and objective:Infective endocarditis (IE) is an infection with a poor prognosis, and an associated in-hospital mortality of at least 25%. Optimal therapy of IE requires long-term effective antibiotic therapy and valve surgery in many cases. The aim of this study was to review the demographics, bacteriology, and outcomes of patients with IE admitted to a tertiary referral center in Mexico City, over a 10-year period.Methods:Retrospective cohort study of patients admitted at Instituto Nacional Salvador Zubiran with a new diagnosis of IE over a 10-year period, from January 2009 to January 2019. Patients who met the definition for definitive diagnosis of infective endocarditis according to the modified Duke criteria were included in the study.Results:There were 62 patients (50.85 ± 17.46 years, 40.3% females) with IE. The culprit microorganism was identified in all cases, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most frequently found (34%). Valve surgery was performed in 58.1%, while 41.9% only received medical treatment. The mortality rate was 25.8% at 30 days and 41.9% at 12 months. Comparing the surgical and medical treatment groups, we found that 50% and 36% in each group, respectively, had died within 12 months of admission.Conclusions:Our center has a high prevalence of health care-associated endocarditis, mostly related to the presence of intravascular access devices. Most of the patients had a surgical indication. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and decreased right ventricular systolic function had an increased mortality rate at 12 months.

Infective Endocarditis: A Case with Prolonged Fever

Infective endocarditis (IE) is associated with a high rate of mortality and morbidity in patients with anomalies of heart valves. We present a case of a 23-year-old male known to have severe mitral regurgitation (MR) with a history of prolonged fever for 5 months. According to The Modified Duke Criteria, clinical sign and symptoms fulfilled one major criterion (echocardiography finding of vegetation on mitral valve) and three minor (fever of at least 380 Celsius, valvular heart disease as a predisposing heart condition, and positive blood culture for Lactococcus sp. and Pediococcus sp.) considered as definite IE. Fever is one of the most common symptoms of IE (>90% of cases). Patient with prolonged fever and structural abnormality of heart valve should be considered for acute or subacute of IE. Establishing an diagnosis of IE and appropriate antibiotic therapy will improve the patient's clinical condition, and reduce morbidity and mortality.

The choice of antimicrobial therapy for infective endocarditis in the conditions of gram-positive microorganism dominance in the etiological structure in the russian federation

The problem of infectious endocarditis currently deserves special attention. According to the data, intrahospital mortality caused by this pathology reaches 20%, which is largely due to the development of potential complications, the most common among which are the development and progression of heart failure, as well as thromboembolic manifestations with the damage to target organs of various localization. The article presents the results of a multicenter study establishing the features of antimicrobial therapy in patients with infectious endocarditis under the conditions of the dominance of gram-positive microorganisms in the etiological structure in the Russian Federation. 440 cases of definite and probable infectious endocarditis in the period from September 2006 to December 2020 were analyzed.

Evaluation of 16S rDNA Heart Tissue PCR as a Complement to Blood Cultures for the Routine Etiological Diagnosis of Infective Endocarditis.

Identification of the causative pathogen is required to optimize the effective therapy in infective endocarditis (IE). The aim of this study was to assess a 16S rDNA PCR to identify bacteria from heart valve tissues and to evaluate its usefulness as a complement to blood and removed valves cultures. A total of 266 patients diagnosed with IE from January 2015 to December 2019 were evaluated. Results between 16S rDNA PCR from heart valve tissues were compared with microbiological cultures. Blood cultures were positive in 83.5% of patients diagnosed with IE, while 39.6% and 71.8% of the evaluated heart valve samples were positive by culture and 16S rDNA PCR, respectively. For 32 (12%) patients, 16S rDNA tissue PCR provided valuable information supporting the results of blood cultures in the case of bacteria characteristic from the skin microbiota. Additionally, a microorganism was identified by using 16S rDNA PCR in 36% of blood culture-negative cases. The present study reveals that molecular diagnosis using 16S rDNA tissue PCR provides complementary information for the diagnosis of IE, and it should be recommended in surgical endocarditis, especially when blood cultures are negative.

Difficulties in Diagnosis and Therapy of Infective Endocarditis in Children and Adolescents-Cohort Study.

Despite the progress in management and prophylaxis measures, infective endocarditis (IE) is still a condition associated with high mortality rates and severe complications. Fortunately, the incidence of IE is much lower in children and adolescents, with only 0.05–0.12/1000 cases being reported in hospitalized pediatric patients. According to recent data, IE is, in most cases, a complication of pre-existing congenital heart disorders, in up to 75–90% of cases. About 8–10% of all IE cases occur in children without a pre-existing heart condition, due to the widespread use of catheters and invasive procedures, or are associated with immunosuppression. The overall mortality rate due to IE among children and adolescents is 16–25%, a fairly high incidence despite advances made in management and treatment methodologies. We present a retrospective case study conducted in the Pediatric Cardiology Department of ‘St. Maria’ Emergency Children’s Hospital of Iași between February 2007 and February 2020, including 54 children aged between 23 days and 17 years. Our study was aimed at revealing the evolution of IE in recent years in the pediatric population, at identifying the main causes leading to the onset and progress of the disease, at assessing the incidence of clinical and paraclinical manifestations and at determining efficient diagnosis and therapy approaches for the population under survey.

Surgical treatment of infective endocarditis in intravenous drug abusers

BackgroundDespite current progress in antibiotic therapy and medical management, infective endocarditis remains a serious condition presenting with high mortality rates. It also is a life-threatening complication in patients with a history of chronic intravenous drug abuse. In this study, we analyzed our institutional experience on the surgical therapy of infective endocarditis in patients with active intravenous drug abuse. The aim of the study is to identify the predictive factors of mortality and morbidity in this subgroup of patients.MethodsBetween 2007 and 2020, a total of 24 patients (7 female, mean age 38.5 ± 8.7) presenting with active intravenous drug abuse underwent a surgical treatment for the infective endocarditis at out center. The primary endpoint was survival at 30th day after the surgery. The secondary composite endpoint included freedom from death, recurrent endocarditis, re-do surgery, and postoperative stroke during the follow-up period. Mean follow-up was 4.2 ± 4.3 years.ResultsStaphylococcus species was the most common pathogen detected in the preoperative blood cultures. Infection caused by Enterococcus species as well as liver function impairment were identified as mortality predictor factors. Logistic EuroSCORE and EusoSCORE-II were also predictive factors for mortality in univariate analysis. Survival at 1 and 3 years was 78 and 72% respectively. Thirty-day survival was 88%. 30-day freedom from combined endpoint was 83% and after 1 and 3 years, 69 and 58% of the patients respectively were free from combined endpoint. Five patients (20.8%) were readmitted with recurrent infective endocarditis.ConclusionIn patients presenting with active intravenous drug abuse, treatment of infective endocarditis should be performed as aggressively as possible and should be followed by antibiotic therapy to avoid high mortality rates and recurrent endocarditis. Early intervention is advisable in patients with an infective endocarditis and enterococcus species in the preoperative blood cultures, liver function deterioration as well as cardiac function impairment. Attention should be also payed to addiction treatment, due to the elevated relapse rate in patients who actively inject drugs. However, larger prospective studies are necessary to support our results. As septic shock is the most frequent cause of death, new treatment options, e.g. blood purification should be evaluated.