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Updated: May 29, 2026
11:04
Isolation of Valvular Endothelial Cells
Published on: December 29, 2010
Single center experience of a vancomycin resistant enterococcal endocarditis cohort
Graeme N Forrest1, Ryan S Arnold, James S Gammie
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Portland VA Medical Center, 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road, P3-ID, Portland, OR 97239, USA. forrestg@ohsu.edu
The Journal of Infection
|September 17, 2011
Summary
Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) infective endocarditis (IE) poses a significant challenge. Vancomycin-resistant E. faecium IE showed higher mortality and longer bacteremia than vancomycin-resistant E. faecalis IE.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) infective endocarditis (IE) is a growing concern in healthcare settings.
- Tertiary referral centers manage complex cases of VRE IE.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical management and outcomes of patients with VRE IE.
- To identify risk factors and clinical outcomes associated with VRE IE.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of proven VRE IE cases from July 2000 to January 2008.
- Analysis of demographics, comorbidities, and therapeutic details to assess risk factors and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Fifty VRE IE cases were identified: 26 (52%) Enterococcus faecium and 24 (48%) Enterococcus faecalis.
- Vancomycin-resistant E. faecium IE was linked to tricuspid valve infection and longer bacteremia (14 days vs. 4 days).
- Hemodialysis and liver transplantation were associated with mortality in VRE IE.
Conclusions:
- Hemodialysis and liver transplantation are risk factors for acquiring VRE IE.
- Vancomycin-resistant E. faecium IE is associated with higher mortality and prolonged bacteremia compared to vancomycin-resistant E. faecalis IE.
- Combination antimicrobial therapy and valve surgery showed a trend towards improved survival.
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