[Infective endocarditis in octogenarian patients]

Our aims were to investigate the clinical features and prognosis of endocarditis in octogenarian patients (aged > 79 years) and in comparison with those in younger elderly patients (aged 65-79 years) and young patients (aged < 65 years). Octogenarian subjects more frequently were male and had a community-acquired infection, mitral valve disease, and chronic anemia. Their clinical course was more insidious and benign: they presented less often with fever or new heart murmurs. When heart failure was present, it tended to be less severe. The most frequently isolated microorganisms were streptococci. The detection rate for vegetation on transesophageal echocardiography was lower in octogenarians. Octogenarians had shorter periods of hospitalization, needed surgery less frequently, and had lower mortality. Mortality in those undergoing surgery was not higher in elderly patients. Age was not an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality.