Bacterial endocarditis of oral etiology in an elderly population

The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence and characteristics of bacterial endocarditis (BE) of oral origin in a group of elderly people. A retrospective study of 115 BE clinical records was performed, focusing on the demographic and predisposing features, as well as on the analytical and clinical variables. Twenty-two of the 115 cases were excluded as they were detected in intravenous drug users. Of the remaining 93 cases, 54.8% were diagnosed in patients older than 60 years of age (group A) and 45.2% in patients younger than 60 years (group B). There were 16 cases (17.2%) of oral origin; 4 BE cases mainly associated with tooth extractions were found in group A and 12 BE (most of them related with odontogenic abscesses) in group B. Within group A, 1 patient (25%) had not an underlying cardiac condition versus 5 cases (41.6%) in group B. Even though the prevalence of BE of oral origin in patients older than 60 is low, the high frequency of cardiopathies, poor oral health and high number of dental procedures shown by the old population makes them a risk group for BE of oral origin.