[Endocarditis 2007: Results of a multicentric study on occurrence and characteristics of infective endocarditis]

Vnitr Lek. 2011 Feb;57(2):147-54.
[Article in Czech]

Abstract

Aim: To recognize incidence and epidemiological characteristics of infective endocarditis (IE) in the Czech Republic.

Methods: A prospective multicentre observational study on occurrence and characteristics of IE in 29 hospitals within one year. A cooperative physician in every hospital reported all cases of IE that occurred in pre-defined hospital attraction area in 12 consecutive months. A unified anonymous form was used for reporting. Only patients fulfilling the modified Duke criteria were enrolled.

Results: One hundred and thirty-four cases of IE were reported. Thus, crude incidence of IE appeared 3.4 cases/100,000/year. Vegetations were found on aortic valves in 45.5% and on mitral valves in 40.3%. The most common etiological agent was Staphylococcus aureus (29.9%). Etiology was not established in 45 cases (33.6%), mostly due to previous antibiotic treatment. The most frequent predisposing conditions were purulent infections, namely in lower extremities, and previous invasive cardiac procedures (cardiac surgery, permanent pacemaker/defibrillator etc.). Heart surgery within antibiotic treatment was performed in 36 patients (26.9%). Overall mortality was also 26.9%. Mortality was significantly higher in hospitals that did not dispose of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).

Conclusion: We assume the real incidence of IE was slightly higher than we had found. The possible causes of such discreapance are discussed.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Czech Republic / epidemiology
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / diagnosis
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / epidemiology*
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / etiology
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / microbiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Factors
  • Young Adult