Demographical Data and Outcomes of Surgically Treated Patients With the Diagnosis of Infective Endocarditis: a Multi-Center Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: This study aims to investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics and echocardiographic and microbiological findings of the patients as well as the outcomes of surgery undergoing surgical treatment with the diagnosis of infective endocarditis in Turkey. Methods: Between January 2005 and August 2012 116 patients (65 males, 51 females; mean age 43 +/- 16 years; range 14 to 80 years) with the diagnosis of infective endocarditis who underwent surgery in 13 tertiary university/research and education hospitals were included in this multi-center study. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, and echocardiographic and microbiological findings, surgical indications and outcomes of surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The most common symptom on admission and physical finding was fever. Blood cultures were negative in 35 patients (30%). Staphylococci were the most common microbiological pathogens (22%). Congestive heart failure was the most common indication for surgery in 56 patients (48%). Valve repair was performed in 12 patients (10%), valve replacement was the procedure of choice in 104 patients (90%). Thirty-three patients undergoing surgical treatment died in the postoperative period. The mortality rate was 28%. Independent predictors of surgical mortality were Class 3-4 functional capacity, elevated C-reactive protein, and renal dysfunction. Conclusion: Although complicated cases of infective endocarditis can be treated through surgery, surgical morbidity and mortality is still high.