What question did this study set out to answer?

The research aimed to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of infective endocarditis in Northeastern Argentina over a decade.

January 14, 2026Open Access

P-132. Endocarditis in Northeastern Argentina: 10 Years of Hospital-Based Epidemiological Data

Key Points

The research aimed to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of infective endocarditis in Northeastern Argentina over a decade.
Retrospective, descriptive study analyzing cases from 2010 to 2020
Included cases meeting modified Duke criteria for definite infective endocarditis
Data collected on demographics, clinical features, complications, and mortality
A total of 113 cases of definite infective endocarditis were analyzed
Overall mortality rate was 38% with heart failure and persistent bacteremia as strong predictors
Most common pathogens identified were Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus spp.

Abstract

Abstract Background Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious condition with a broad range of clinical manifestations. Despite advances in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, its morbidity and mortality have not significantly decreased over the years. Methods We conducted a retrospective, descriptive study of cases meeting the modified Duke criteria for definite IE from 2010 to 2020. Our aim was to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics, complications, and mortality among this patient cohort. Results A total of 113 patients with definite IE were included. Male sex: 64%. Median age: 48.6 years (range 17–87). Comorbidities: chronic kidney disease 15.8%, heart failure 12.3%, DM 12%. Preexisting cardiovascular conditions: rheumatic heart disease: 9.6%, valvular disease 37.5% and aortic regurgitation 55.5%. IE Localization: aortic valve: 44% (87.7% native), mitral valve: 39.8% (88.8% native), tricuspid valve: 10.6%, pulmonary valve: 0.88%, mural endocardium: 0.88%. Diagnostic modalities: TTE 79%, TEE 81.4%. Microbiological findings: positive blood cultures 86.7%. Most frequent pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus (33.6%), Streptococcus spp. (27.5%) and Enterococcus spp. (16.3%). In-hospital complications: persistent positive blood cultures: 28.3%, persistent fever despite appropriate antibiotic therapy: 26.5%, new neurological events: 23.8%. Surgical management: indication for surgery 57.2%, underwent surgery 75.3% (elective 36.7%, urgent: 32.6%, emergent: 30.6%). Overol mortality: 38%. Device-associated IE mortality: 25%. Factors associated with increased mortality: HF at admission (p = 0.004), persistent bacteremia (p = 0.002), worsening HF (p 0.0001). Conclusion In this 10-year retrospective study, IE affected native aortic valves, with S. aureus and Streptococcus spp. as the most common pathogens. Relatively young median age (48 y) and high overall mortality (38%) reflect the local demographic context and possible delays in diagnosis and treatment. Improving access to early diagnostic tools and specialized care is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality in this setting. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

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