Clinical characteristics and risk factors for right-sided infective endocarditis in Korea: a 12-year retrospective cohort study.

Right-sided infective endocarditis (RSIE) is less common than left-sided infective endocarditis (LSIE) and exhibits distinct epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological characteristics. Previous studies have focused primarily on RSIE in patients with intravenous drug use. We investigated the characteristics and risk factors for RSIE in an area where intravenous drug use is uncommon. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in South Korea. Patients diagnosed with infective endocarditis between November 2005 and August 2017 were categorized into LSIE and RSIE groups. Of the 406 patients, 365 (89.9%) had LSIE and 41 (10.1%) had RSIE. The mortality rates were 31.7% in the RSIE group and 31.5% in the LSIE group (P = 0.860). Patients with RSIE had a higher prevalence of infection with Staphylococcus aureus (29.3% vs. 13.7%, P = 0.016), coagulase-negative staphylococci (17.1% vs. 6.0%, P = 0.022), and gram-negative bacilli other than HACEK (12.2% vs. 2.2%, P = 0.003). Younger age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.95-0.99, P = 0.006), implanted cardiac devices (aOR 37.75, 95% CI 11.63-141.64, P ≤ 0.001), and central venous catheterization  (aOR 4.25, 95%  CI 1.14-15.55, P = 0.029) were independent risk factors for RSIE. Treatment strategies that consider the epidemiologic and microbiologic characteristics of RSIE are warranted.

Infective Endocarditis in North Africa and the Middle East, 1990‒2019: Updates from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

BACKGROUND: Infective endocarditis (IE), a severe and economically impactful condition, lacks substantial epidemiological data in the North Africa and Middle East (NAME) region. This study focused on analyzing the trends and burden of IE in NAME from 1990 to 2019, taking into account factors like age, gender, and socio-demographic index (SDI). METHODS: The Global Burden of Disease data from 1990 to 2019 was retrieved from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) website. RESULTS: Between 1990 and 2019, the age-standardized rates (ASR) for IE incidence increased by 59%, and prevalence and years lived with disability (YLDs) rose by 12% and 9%, respectively, while the ASRs for deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and years of life lost (YLLs) saw reductions of 22%, 34%, and 34% in the NAME region. Death rates among children under five declined by 72%. Gender and the SDI did not significantly influence these changes. Saudi Arabia witnessed the most significant increase in ASR of IE incidence since 1990, while Turkey had the highest rates in 2019. The year 2019 also saw the highest death rate among those aged 70 and over, with over 91000 DALYs from IE. DALYs decreased by 71.5% for children under five from 1990 to 2019 but remained stable for individuals in their seventies. Jordan showed the most notable decrease in ASRs for deaths, DALYs, and YLLs among children under five. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the changing epidemiology of IE in the NAME region, recommending the establishment of multidisciplinary IE registries, antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines for healthcare-associated IE, and strategies to control antimicrobial resistance as key mitigation measures.

[Update on endocarditis 2024]. / Update Endokarditis 2024.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a life-threatening disease with an increasing incidence despite improved preventive measures. The revision of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines on infective endocarditis in 2023 brings significant innovations in prevention, diagnostics, and treatment. Many measures for prophylaxis and prevention have been more clearly defined and given higher recommendation levels. In the diagnostics of IE the use of other imaging modalities besides echocardiography, such as cardiac computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET)/CT or single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT with radioactively labeled leukocytes was more strongly emphasized. The diagnostics and treatment of IE associated with a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) were also revised. An essential innovation is also the possibility of an outpatient antibiotic treatment for certain patients after initial treatment in hospital. The indications for surgery have also been revised and, in particular, the timing of surgery has been more clearly defined. This article provides an overview of the most important changes.

Contributors to Hospitalized Infective Endocarditis Outcomes Among Patients With Substance Use.

Background: Patients with substance use (SU) diagnosed with infective endocarditis (IE) have high rates of discharge against medical advice (DAMA) and 30-day readmission. Objective: Evaluate contributors associated with DAMA and 30-day readmission among patients with SU and IE. Methods: This retrospective chart review included patients >18 years, admitted to one hospital in the Northeastern, United States for SU and IE from January 2018 to December 2020. Patient demographic and clinical characteristics and their association with DAMA and 30-day readmission were summarized using descriptive statistics and Logistic Regression. Results: Of the 144 patients, 60.4% used more than one substance, 38.2% experienced DAMA, and 61.1% were readmitted within 30 days. Age (odds ratio [OR], 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.92-0.98), Length of stay (LOS) (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.93-0.98), Medicaid (OR, 2.98; 95% CI, 1.45-6.16), Medicare (OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.10-0.81), opioid usage (OR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.01-5.16), and stimulant usage (OR, 2.89; 95% CI, 1.43-5.84) were all significantly associated with DAMA but not with 30-day readmission. Conclusions: Additional investigations of factors associated with DAMA and 30-day readmission are needed to help improve practices and reduce negative outcomes. Implications for Nursing: Multiple factors can affect patient adherence to treatment in this high-risk population. Nursing directly impacts the identification and addressing of unique SU IE patient needs to optimize treatment goals.

Trends in epidemiology, surgical management, and prognosis of infective endocarditis during the XXI century in Spain: A population-based nationwide study.

BACKGROUND: Few population-based studies have evaluated the epidemiology of infective endocarditis (IE). Changes in population demographics and guidelines on IE may have affected both the incidence and outcomes of IE. Therefore, the aim of our study is to provide contemporary population-based epidemiological data of IE in Spain. METHODS: Retrospective nationwide observational study using data from the Spanish National Health System Discharge Database. We included all patients hospitalized with IE from January 2000 to December 2019. RESULTS: A total of 64,550 IE episodes were included. The incidence of IE rose from 5.25 cases/100,000 person-year in 2000 to 7.21 in 2019, with a 2% annual percentage change (95% CI 1.3-2.6). IE incidence was higher among those aged 85 or older (43.5 cases/100.000 person-years). Trends across the study period varied with sex and age. Patients with IE were progressively older (63.9 years in 2000-2004 to 70.0 in 2015-2019, p < 0.001) and had more frequent comorbidities and predispositions, including, previous valvular prosthesis (12.1% vs 20.9%, p < 0.001). After adjustment, a progressive reduction in mortality was noted including in 2015-2019 compared to 2010-2014 (adjusted odds ratio 0.93, 95% confident interval 0.88-0.99, p = 0.023)., which was associated with more frequent cardiac surgery in recent years (15.1% in 2010-2014 vs 19.9% in 2015-2019). CONCLUSIONS: In Spain, the incidence of IE has increased during the XXI century, with a more pronounced increase in elderly individuals. Adjusted-mortality decreased over the years, which could be related to a higher percentage of surgery. Our results highlight the changing epidemiology of IE.

Changing trends in clinical characteristics and in-hospital mortality of patients with infective endocarditis over four decades.

BACKGROUND: Infective endocarditis continues to be a significant concern and may be undergoing an epidemiological transition. METHODS: Were studied 1804 consecutive episodes of infective endocarditis between 1978 and 2022. The mean age was 48 ( ± 19), and 1162 (64%) patients were male. Temporal trends in demographic data, comorbidities, predisposing conditions, microorganisms, complications and in-hospital death have been studied over the decades (1978-1988, 1989-1999, 2000-2010 and 2011-2022). The outcomes and clinical characteristics were modeled using nonlinear cubic spline functions. FINDINGS: Valve surgery was performed in 50% of the patients and overall in-hospital mortality was 30%. From the first to the fourth decade studied, the average age of patients increased from 29 to 57 years (p < 0.001), with significant declines in the occurrence of rheumatic valvular heart disease (15% to 6%; p < 0.001) and streptococcal infections (46% to 33%; p < 0.001). Healthcare-associated infections have increased (9% to 21%; p < 0.001), as have prosthetic valve endocarditis (26% to 53%; p < 0.001), coagulase-negative staphylococcal infections (4% to 11%; p < 0.001), and related-complications (heart failure, embolic events, and perivalvular abscess; p < 0.001). These changes were associated with a decline in adjusted in-hospital mortality from 34% to 25% (p = 0.019). INTERPRETATION: In the 44 years studied, there was an increase in the mean age of patients, healthcare-related, prosthetic valve, coagulase-negative staphylococci/MRSA infections, and related complications. Notably, these epidemiological changes were associated with a decline in the adjusted in-hospital mortality.

Incidence of Bacteremia, Infective Endocarditis, or Prosthetic Joint Infection in Dermatologic Surgery: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic antibiotic therapy is widely used in dermatologic surgery to prevent surgical site infections and bacteremia, which can lead to prosthetic joint infections (PJI) and infective endocarditis (IE) in high-risk populations. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of bacteremia, PJI, and IE after dermatologic surgery and assess the current evidence for antibiotic prophylaxis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search of the computerized bibliographic databases was performed using key terms from the date of inception to March 21, 2021. Data extraction was performed independently by 2 data extractors. RESULTS: The review resulted in 9 publications that met inclusion criteria, including 5 prospective cohort studies and 4 case reports or case series. The prospective studies reported a wide range of bacteremia incidence (0%-7%) after dermatologic surgery. No cases of PJI resulting directly from cutaneous surgery were identified, and only 1 case series reported IE after various skin procedures. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest a low rate of bacteremia and a lack of direct evidence linking dermatologic surgery to PJI or IE. The scarcity of published data on this topic is a limitation, highlighting the need for further research, particularly randomized controlled trials, to guide antibiotic prophylaxis recommendations.

Healthcare exposures and associated risk of endocarditis after open-heart cardiac valve surgery.

BACKGROUND: Infective endocarditis (IE) following cardiac valve surgery is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Data on the impact of iatrogenic healthcare exposures on this risk are sparse. This study aimed to investigate risk factors including healthcare exposures for post open-heart cardiac valve surgery endocarditis (PVE). METHODS: In this population-linkage cohort study, 23,720 patients who had their first cardiac valve surgery between 2001 and 2017 were identified from an Australian state-wide hospital-admission database and followed-up to 31 December 2018. Risk factors for PVE were identified from multivariable Cox regression analysis and verified using a case-crossover design sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: In 23,720 study participants (median age 73, 63% male), the cumulative incidence of PVE 15 years after cardiac valve surgery was 7.8% (95% CI 7.3-8.3%). Thirty-seven percent of PVE was healthcare-associated, which included red cell transfusions (16% of healthcare exposures) and coronary angiograms (7%). The risk of PVE was elevated for 90 days after red cell transfusion (HR = 3.4, 95% CI 2.1-5.4), coronary angiogram (HR = 4.0, 95% CI 2.3-7.0), and healthcare exposures in general (HR = 4.0, 95% CI 3.3-4.8) (all p < 0.001). Sensitivity analysis confirmed red cell transfusion (odds ratio [OR] = 3.9, 95% CI 1.8-8.1) and coronary angiogram (OR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.5-4.6) (both p < 0.001) were associated with PVE. Six-month mortality after PVE was 24% and was higher for healthcare-associated PVE than for non-healthcare-associated PVE (HR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.5, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of PVE is significantly higher for 90 days after healthcare exposures and associated with high mortality.

Compared Performance of the 2023 Duke-International Society for Cardiovascular Infectious Diseases, 2000 Modified Duke, and 2015 European Society of Cardiology Criteria for the Diagnosis of Infective Endocarditis in a French Multicenter Prospective Cohort.

BACKGROUND: The 2023 Duke-International Society for Cardiovascular Diseases (ISCVID) criteria for infective endocarditis (IE) were proposed as an updated diagnostic classification of IE. Using an open prospective multicenter cohort of patients treated for IE, we compared the performance of these new criteria to that of the 2000 Modified Duke and 2015 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) criteria. METHODS: Cases of patients treated for IE between January 2017 and October 2022 were adjudicated as certain IE or not. Each case was also categorized as either definite or possible/rejected within each classification. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were estimated with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Of the 1194 patients analyzed (mean age, 66.1 years; 71.2% males), 414 (34.7%) had a prosthetic valve and 284 (23.8%) had a cardiac implanted electronic device (CIED); 946 (79.2%) were adjudicated as certain IE; 978 (81.9%), 997 (83.5%), and 1057 (88.5%) were classified as definite IE in the 2000 modified Duke, 2015 ESC, and 2023 Duke-ISCVID criteria, respectively. The sensitivity of each set of criteria was 93.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 91.6-94.8), 95.0% (95% CI, 93.7-96.4), and 97.6% (95% CI, 96.6-98.6), respectively (P < .001 for all 2-by-2 comparisons). Corresponding specificity rates were 61.3% (95% CI, 55.2-67.4), 60.5% (95% CI, 54.4-66.6), and 46.0% (95% CI, 39.8-52.2), respectively. In patients without CIED, sensitivity rates were 94.8% (95% CI, 93.2-96.4), 96.5% (95% CI, 95.1-97.8), and 97.7% (95% CI, 96.6-98.8); specificity rates were 59.0% (95% CI, 51.6-66.3), 56.6% (95% CI, 49.3-64.0), and 53.8% (95% CI, 46.3-61.2), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the 2023 Duke-ISCVID criteria had a significantly higher sensitivity but a significantly lower specificity compared with older criteria. This decreased specificity was mainly attributable to patients with CIED.

Cluster of Nontoxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae Infective Endocarditis and Rising Background C. diphtheriae Cases-Seattle, Washington, 2020-2023.

BACKGROUND: Nontoxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae, often associated with wounds, can rarely cause infective endocarditis (IE). Five patients with C. diphtheriae IE were identified within 12 months at a Seattle-based hospital system. We reviewed prior C. diphtheriae-positive cultures to determine if detections had increased over time and evaluated epidemiologic trends. METHODS: We conducted a formal electronic health record search to identify all patients aged ≥18 years with C. diphtheriae detected in a clinical specimen (ie, wound, blood, sputum) between 1 September 2020 and 1 April 2023. We collected patient demographics, housing status, comorbidities, substance-use history, and level of medical care required at detection. We extracted laboratory data on susceptibilities of C. diphtheriae isolates and on other pathogens detected at the time of C. diphtheriae identification. RESULTS: Between 1 September 2020 and 1 April 2023, 44 patients (median age, 44 years) had a C. diphtheriae-positive clinical culture, with most detections occurring after March 2022. Patients were predominantly male (75%), White (66%), unstably housed (77%), and had a lifetime history of injecting drugs (75%). Most C. diphtheriae-positive cultures were polymicrobial, including wound cultures from 36 (82%) patients and blood cultures from 6 (14%) patients, not mutually exclusive. Thirty-four patients (77%), including all 5 patients with C. diphtheriae IE, required hospital admission for C. diphtheriae or a related condition. Of the 5 patients with IE, 3 died of IE and 1 from COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest a high-morbidity outbreak disproportionately affecting patients who use substances and are unstably housed.

Infective Endocarditis in Patients Addicted to Injected Opioid Drugs.

BACKGROUND: Persons who inject drugs and require surgery for infective endocarditis have 2 potentially lethal diseases. Current postoperative rehabilitation efforts seem ineffective in preventing loss to follow-up, injection drug use relapse (relapse), and death. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to characterize drug use, psychosocial issues, surgical outcome, and postoperative addiction management, as well as loss to follow-up, relapse, and mortality and their risk factors. METHODS: From January 2010 to June 2020, 227 persons who inject drugs, age 36 ± 9.9 years, underwent surgery for infective endocarditis at a quaternary hospital having special interest in developing addiction management programs. Postsurgery loss to follow-up, relapse, and death were assessed as competing risks and risk factors identified parametrically and by machine learning. CIs are 68% (±1 SE). RESULTS: Heroin was the most self-reported drug injected (n = 183 [81%]). Psychosocial issues included homelessness (n = 56 [25%]), justice system involvement (n = 150 [66%]), depression (n = 118 [52%]), anxiety (n = 104 [46%]), and post-traumatic stress disorder (n = 33 [15%]). Four (1.8%) died in-hospital. Medication for opioid use disorder prescribed at discharge increased from 0% in 2010 to 100% in 2020. At 1 and 5 years, conditional probabilities of loss to follow-up were 16% (68% CI: 13%-22%) and 59% (68% CI: 44%-65%), relapse 32% (68% CI: 28%-34%) and 79% (68% CI: 74%-83%), and mortality 21% (68% CI: 18%-23%) and 68% (68% CI: 62%-72%). Younger age, heroin use, and lower education level were predictors of relapse. CONCLUSIONS: Infective endocarditis surgery can be performed with low mortality in persons who inject drugs, but addiction is far more lethal. Risk of loss to follow-up and relapse require more effective addiction strategies without which this major loss to society will continue.

Comparative analysis of infective endocarditis in hemodialysis versus non-hemodialysis patients in Iran: implications for clinical practice and future research.

BACKGROUND: In hemodialysis (HD) patients, there is a larger frequency of mortality and morbidity associated with infective endocarditis (IE) as opposed to the general population. Despite the increased burden of IE in the HD population, optimal strategies for prevention and management still need to be clarified. Elucidating the distinguishing features and outcomes of IE in HD patients is crucial to guide clinical decision-making and improve prognosis in this high-risk group. However, the details of IE characteristics, specifically in HD patients in the Middle East, are limited. OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical characteristics and short-term outcomes of IE between HD and non-HD patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out on 139 patients with infective endocarditis who were referred to a tertiary cardiovascular center in Iran from 2006 to 2018. The participants were split into HD (n = 34) and non-HD (n = 105) groups. Data pertaining to demographic characteristics, comorbidities, microbiological findings, occurrence of complications, therapeutic interventions, and mortality rates during hospital stay were gathered. RESULTS: Diabetes, hypertension, and congestive heart failure were observed more frequently in HD patients. HD patients were more likely than non-HD patients to have involvement of the right valve (41.2% vs. 20.9%), larger vegetation, and extracardiac emboli. In-hospital mortality was 41.2% for HD patients versus 14.3% for non-HD patients. Mortality remained high after valve surgery in HD patients (38.2% vs. 10.5% in non-HD). CONCLUSION: HD patients exhibited a distinct clinical profile of IE with worse short-term outcomes, including higher mortality.

Infective endocarditis after isolated aortic valve replacement: comparison between catheter-interventional and surgical valve replacement.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) is the prognostically most unfavourable complication after aortic valve replacement. This study aims to contribute to a better understanding of the different pathological and therapeutical aspects between PVE following surgical (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVI). METHODS: All patients who had undergone primary isolated SAVR (n = 3447) or TAVI (n = 2269) at our Centre between 01/2012 and 12/2018 were analysed. Diagnosis of PVE was based on Duke criteria modified in 2015. Incidence, risk factors, pathogens, impact of complications or therapy on mortality were analysed and compared between SAVR- and TAVI-PVE. RESULTS: PVE incidence did not differ significantly after SAVR with 4.9/100 patient-years and TAVI with 2.4/100 patient-years (p = 0.49), although TAVI patients were older (mean 80 vs. 67 years) and had more comorbidities (STS score mean 5.9 vs. 1.6) (p < 0.001). TAVI prostheses with polymer showed a 4.3-fold higher risk to develop PVE than without polymer (HR 4.3; p = 0.004). Most common pathogens were staphylococci and enterococci (p > 0.05). Propensity-score matching analysis showed that the type of aortic valve replacement had no effect on the development of post-procedural PVE (p = 0.997). One-year survival was higher in TAVI-PVE patients treated with antibiotics only compared to additional surgical therapy (90.9% vs. 33.3%; p = 0.005). In SAVR-PVE patients, both therapies were comparable in terms of survival (p = 0.861). However, SAVR-PVE patients who were not operated, despite ESC-guideline recommendation, had significantly poorer one-year survival (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: TAVI patients did not have a significantly higher risk to develop PVE. Our data suggest that TAVI-PVE patients in contrast to SAVR-PVE patients can more often be treated with antibiotics only, presumably due to the lack of a polymeric suture ring.

Epidemiology, microbiology, and outcomes of infective endocarditis in a tertiary center in Jordan.

BACKGROUND: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a relatively rare but serious and life-threatening disease with substantial mortality and morbidity despite progress in diagnostic and treatment techniques. The aim of this study is to investigate the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, microbiological profile, and outcomes of IE patients in a tertiary care facility in Jordan, the Jordan University Hospital (JUH). METHODS: This is a retrospective case series study which was conducted at JUH. A total of 23 patients with either definite or possible IE according to the Modified Duke Criteria were included in the study. Medical records were reviewed, and relevant information was collected. Descriptive data analysis was performed. RESULTS: Our study identified a total of 23 patients with infective endocarditis; 65.2% were males, with a mean age of 40.4 years. The majority of patients had an underlying cardiac disease (60.9%), with the most common being congenital heart diseases (17.4%). The most commonly affected valves were the left-side heart valves, with the mitral valve (52.2%) being the most common followed by the aortic valve (34.8%). The most common organism detected in blood culture was Streptococcus viridans (21.7%) followed by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The most common complications among the patients were heart failure and septic shock, and the mortality rate among the patients was 13%. CONCLUSION: In patients with endocarditis, Streptococcus viridans is the most common culture-positive bacteria at JUH. One third of our patients needed surgical intervention and the mortality rate was 13%.

Beyond a team: The comprehensive interdisciplinary endocarditis program in the United States.

Although multidisciplinary teams have been shown to decrease in-hospital mortality for patient with infectious endocarditis, most studies have focused on the inpatient role of these teams, and are primarily based at European tertiary care centers. There is limited literature available on the optimal longitudinal care of this patient population. Here we outline our experience developing an interdisciplinary endocarditis program at the University of Kentucky, which cares for patients from their index hospitalization into the outpatient setting, while also coordinating transfers from regional hospitals and offering education to regional providers.

Bartonella quintana Endocarditis: A Systematic Review of Individual Cases.

BACKGROUND: Bartonella quintana is a louse-borne bacterium that remains a neglected cause of endocarditis in low-resource settings. Our understanding of risk factors, clinical manifestations, and treatment of B. quintana endocarditis are biased by older studies from high-income countries. METHODS: We searched Pubmed Central, Medline, Scopus, Embase, EBSCO (CABI) Global Health, Web of Science and international trial registers for articles published before March 2023 with terms related to Bartonella quintana endocarditis. We included articles containing case-level information on B. quintana endocarditis and extracted data related to patient demographics, clinical features, diagnostic testing, treatment, and outcome. RESULTS: A total of 975 records were identified, of which 569 duplicates were removed prior to screening. In total, 84 articles were eligible for inclusion, describing a total of 167 cases. Infections were acquired in 40 different countries; 62 cases (37.1%) were acquired in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Disproportionately more female and pediatric patients were from LMICs. More patients presented with heart failure (n = 70/167 [41.9%]) than fever (n = 65/167 [38.9%]). Mean time from symptom onset to presentation was 5.1 months. Also, 25.7% of cases (n = 43/167) were associated with embolization, most commonly to the spleen and brain; 65.5% of antimicrobial regimens included doxycycline. The vast majority of cases underwent valve replacement surgery (n = 154/167, [98.0%]). Overall case fatality rate was 9.6% (n = 16/167). CONCLUSIONS: B. quintana endocarditis has a global distribution, and long delays between symptom onset and presentation frequently occur. Improved clinician education and diagnostic capacity are needed to screen at-risk populations and identify infection before endocarditis develops.

Infective Endocarditis After Transcatheter Versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement.

BACKGROUND: Scarce data are available comparing infective endocarditis (IE) following surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This study aimed to compare the clinical presentation, microbiological profile, management, and outcomes of IE after SAVR versus TAVR. METHODS: Data were collected from the "Infectious Endocarditis after TAVR International" (enrollment from 2005 to 2020) and the "International Collaboration on Endocarditis" (enrollment from 2000 to 2012) registries. Only patients with an IE affecting the aortic valve prosthesis were included. A 1:1 paired matching approach was used to compare patients with TAVR and SAVR. RESULTS: A total of 1688 patients were included. Of them, 602 (35.7%) had a surgical bioprosthesis (SB), 666 (39.5%) a mechanical prosthesis, 70 (4.2%) a homograft, and 350 (20.7%) a transcatheter heart valve. In the SAVR versus TAVR matched population, the rate of new moderate or severe aortic regurgitation was higher in the SB group (43.4% vs 13.5%; P < .001), and fewer vegetations were diagnosed in the SB group (62.5% vs 82%; P < .001). Patients with an SB had a higher rate of perivalvular extension (47.9% vs 27%; P < .001) and Staphylococcus aureus was less common in this group (13.4% vs 22%; P = .033). Despite a higher rate of surgery in patients with SB (44.4% vs 27.3%; P < .001), 1-year mortality was similar (SB: 46.5%; TAVR: 44.8%; log-rank P = .697). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical presentation, type of causative microorganism, and treatment differed between patients with an IE located on SB compared with TAVR. Despite these differences, both groups exhibited high and similar mortality at 1-year follow-up.

NatIonal Danish endocarditis stUdieS - Design and objectives of the NIDUS registry.

AIMS: The NatIonal Danish endocarditis stUdieS (NIDUS) registry aims to investigate the mechanisms contributing to the increasing incidence of infective endocarditis (IE) and to discover risk factors associated to the course, treatment and clinical outcomes of the disease. METHODS: The NIDUS registry was created to investigate a nationwide unselected group of patients hospitalized for IE. The National Danish healthcare registries have been queried for validated IE diagnosis codes (International Classification of Disease, 10th edition [ICD-10]: DI33, DI38, and DI398). Subsequently, a team of 28 healthcare professionals, including experts in endocarditis, will systematically review and evaluate all identified patient records using the modified Duke Criteria and the 2015 European Society of Cardiology modified diagnostic criteria. The registry will contain all cases with definite or possible IE found in primary data sources in Denmark between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2021. We will gather individual patient data, such as clinical, microbiological, and echocardiographic characteristics, treatment regimens, and clinical outcomes. A digital data collection form will be used to the gathering of data. A sample of approximately 4,300 individual patients will be evaluated using primary data sources. CONCLUSIONS AND PERSPECTIVES: The NIDUS registry will be the first comprehensive nationwide IE registry, contributing critical knowledge about the course, treatment, and clinical outcomes of the disease. Additionally, it will significantly aid in identifying areas in which future research is needed.