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Infective Endocarditis in Children in Queensland, Australia: Epidemiology, Clinical Features and Outcome
Michelle Mahony1, David Lean2, Lily Pham3
1From the Infection Management and Prevention Service, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.
Insights
Infective endocarditis (IE) in children is rising in Queensland, Australia. Congenital heart disease is a key risk factor, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most common pathogen, though mortality remains low.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare but serious condition in children.
- Understanding local epidemiology, risk factors, and outcomes is crucial for optimizing management.
- This study investigates IE in children in Queensland over a 10-year period.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence, risk factors, clinical features, and outcomes of infective endocarditis in children in Queensland.
- To provide insights into the local epidemiology of pediatric IE.
- To inform strategies for improved management and prevention.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of children (<18 years) diagnosed with IE from 2009 to 2018.
- Data collected from a state-wide pediatric cardiology center, including clinical records and echocardiograms.
- Incidence calculated using population data; diagnosis confirmed by modified Duke criteria.
Main Results:
- An estimated incidence of 0.84 per 100,000 child-years was observed, with an increasing trend.
- Congenital heart disease was the most common underlying condition (56.9%).
- Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent pathogen (90.2%), and one mortality occurred.
Conclusions:
- Infective endocarditis incidence in Queensland children is increasing and higher than in New Zealand and the US.
- Congenital heart disease and Staphylococcus aureus are key factors in pediatric IE.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are disproportionately affected, while mortality remains low.
Background:
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare entity in children associated with significant morbidity and mortality. To optimize management, it is important to understand local epidemiology, risk factors, clinical features and outcome. These are investigated in this retrospective 10-year study of endocarditis in children in Queensland.
Methods:
Children <18 years with IE were identified from the state-wide pediatric cardiology center (Mater Children's Hospital, 2009-2014; Queensland Children's Hospital, 2014-2018) through International Classification of Diseases codes and local cardiology database. Clinical records were assessed by a clinician and echocardiograms by a cardiologist. Incidence was calculated using Australian Bureau of Statistics Queensland Estimated Resident Population data, 2019.
Results:
Fifty-one children were identified, with an overall estimated incidence of 0.84 per 100,000 per year; 0.69 per 100,000 in 2009-2013 and 0.99 per 100,000 in 2014-2018, respectively. Twenty-four (47.1%) children were male and 10 (19.6%) were identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples. Underlying cardiac conditions were present in 29 (56.9%): 25 congenital heart disease, 3 rheumatic heart disease and 1 cardiomyopathy. A causative pathogen was identified in 46 (90.2%) children with Staphylococcus aureus most common. Thirty-six (70.6%) met criteria for "Definite IE" as per modified Duke criteria, with the remainder "Possible IE." Surgery was required in 26 (51%). Median duration of antibiotics was 42 (interquartile range = 32-51) days and hospitalization 49 (interquartile range = 34-75) days. One child died due to IE.
Conclusions:
IE in children in Queensland is increasing in incidence and is higher than the reported incidence in New Zealand and the United States. Congenital heart disease is the most common risk factor and S. aureus is the commonest responsible organism. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children are over-represented. Mortality remains low.
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