Epidemiology, Management, and Outcomes of Infective Endocarditis: A Retrospective Analysis of Patients

Abstract

Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) remains a serious and often fatal disease affecting both native and prosthetic heart valves. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis for patients with IE varies widely depending on numerous factors, including the causative microorganism, the presence of valvular damage, and the promptness of therapeutic intervention.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical, microbiological, and echocardiographic features of IE in a cohort of 75 patients, with an emphasis on the impact of microbial pathogens on outcomes, the role of echocardiographic findings, and the effectiveness of medical and surgical interventions.

Methods: This retrospective study included 75 patients diagnosed with IE according to the modified Duke criteria. We analyzed demographic characteristics, microbiological profiles, echocardiographic findings, clinical outcomes, and complications. A comprehensive statistical analysis was performed to assess the relationships between these variables and patient prognosis.

Results: The study population consisted predominantly of male patients (66.7%), with a mean age of 45 years. Native valve endocarditis was observed in 72.0% of patients, and Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen isolated (35.2%). Echocardiographic findings indicated vegetation in 84.0% of cases, with severe valvular regurgitation in 32.0%. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 16.0%, with heart failure (34.7%) and systemic embolization (24.0%) being the most frequent complications.

Conclusion: This study underscores the persistent challenges posed by IE, particularly the significant role of Staphylococcus aureus in the pathogenesis of the disease and the common occurrence of severe valvular damage. The findings emphasize the need for timely and aggressive intervention to improve outcomes in these patients.