Infective endocarditis in the Western Cape Province of South Africa: A three-year prospective study
Date
2003
Authors
Koegelenberg C.F.N.
Doubell A.F.
Orth H.
Reuter H.
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Abstract
Background: The last 50 years have seen major changes in the epidemiology of infective endocarditis (IE). Aim: To evaluate local patient characteristics, risk factors, clinical sequelae, microbiology, morbidity and mortality in patients with definite IE. Design: Prospective observational study. Methods: Over a three-year period, patients referred with probable IE were prospectively enrolled. All received a standardized diagnostic evaluation. Epidemiological data were documented; underlying risk factors for IE were sought. Initial evaluation and follow-up (to 6 months) included the documentation of vascular or immunological phenomena, morbidity and mortality. Results: Of 92 patients referred with probable IE, 47 had definite IE. These patients had a mean age of 37.7 years with a male predominance (1.6:1). Rheumatic heart disease was present in 36 (76.6%). Eight had prosthetic valves. Three had congenital heart disease, mitral valve prolapse or multiple central intravascular catheters, respectively. All denied the use of intravenous recreational drugs and only one tested seropositive for HIV. Renal involvement (59.6%) and clubbing (29.8%) were commonly observed. The 6-month mortality rate was 35.6%, while 44.7% needed valvular replacement. An aetiological diagnosis was made in 21, with viridans streptococci the most common isolate. Discussion: Infective endocarditis in the Western Cape of South Africa is a disease of younger adults, with a male predominance. Rheumatic heart disease is the major predisposing factor. Degenerative heart disease and intravenous drug abuse are not important risk factors. Our data do not support the notion that HIV infection is an independent risk factor for IE. Local mortality rates are much higher than recent international figures, as is the proportion of 'culture-negative' IE.
Description
Keywords
amoxicillin, beta lactam antibiotic, cloxacillin, gentamicin, penicillin G, rifampicin, vancomycin, adult, age distribution, alpha hemolytic Streptococcus, article, bacterial endocarditis, bacterium culture, bacterium isolate, congenital heart disease, controlled study, diagnostic test, epidemiological data, female, follow up, heart disease, heart valve prosthesis, heart valve replacement, human, Human immunodeficiency virus infection, immunopathology, intravascular catheter, intravenous drug abuse, kidney disease, major clinical study, male, medical documentation, microbiology, mitral valve prolapse, morbidity, mortality, patient referral, priority journal, prospective study, rheumatic heart disease, risk factor, sex ratio, South Africa, vascular disease, Adult, Endocarditis, Bacterial, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Prospective Studies, Rheumatic Heart Disease, Risk Factors, South Africa
Citation
QJM - Monthly Journal of the Association of Physicians
96
3
96
3