Retrospective analysis of 97 patients with infective endocarditis seen over the past 8 years
Cheng, J.J.; Ko, Y.L.; Chang, S.C.; Lien, W.P.; Tseng, Y.Z.; Lee, Y.T.; Hsieh, Y.Y.; Hsieh, W.C.; Wu, M.C.
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association 88(3): 213-217
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0371-7682 PMID: 2794919 Document Number: 329553
The medical records of 97 consecutive patients (101 episodes) of infective endocarditis seen from January 1979 through January 1987 were reviewed. Only 30% of the patients were over 50 years of age and the majority (69%) of infecting organisms were streptococci (mainly of the viridans group), which were similar to those reported from the West in the early antibiotic era. Pseudomonas organisms and enterococci accounted for 6% and 5%, respectively. Fungal infections were noted in 2 patients. There was a high incidence (38%) of predisposing rheumatic valvular disease; approximately half of these patients had prosthetic valve infections. Mitral valve prolapse was also an important predisposing disease (11%). One-third (34%) of the patients had febrile illness for longer than 8 weeks before the diagnosis was established. The hospital morality rate was 22%; cerebral embolism and ruptured mycotic aneurysm, congestive heart failure, and sudden death were the major causes of death. Echocardiography disclosed vegetations on the cardiac valves and preexisting lesions in 75% of the episodes. Early recognition and proper treatment should be the focus of efforts to reduce mortality from infective endocarditis.