Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026
Parasite Induced Genetically Driven Autoimmune Chagas Heart Disease in the Chicken Model
Published on: July 29, 2012
[Evolution of Infective Endocarditis Profiles in South-Central Chile: A Four-Decade Analysis of Surgical Patients]
Enrique Seguel S1, Camila Rojas-Campillay2, Gonzalo Alberto Peralta-Jiménez3
1Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
Insights
The profile of infective endocarditis (IE) patients undergoing surgery in Chile has significantly evolved over 40 years. Key changes include increased age, comorbidities, and acute kidney injury, alongside decreased heart failure presentations and aortic valve involvement.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Infective endocarditis (IE) poses a significant clinical challenge, particularly in patients requiring valve surgery.
- Understanding long-term trends in IE patient profiles is crucial for adapting treatment strategies.
- This study examines changes in operated IE patients in Chile over four decades.
Purpose:
- To describe the evolving clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with infective endocarditis (IE) who underwent valve surgery.
- To analyze temporal trends in patient demographics, comorbidities, clinical presentation, and microbiological findings.
- To assess changes in cumulative survival rates among operated IE patients over a 40-year period.
Summary:
- A case series of 306 patients with infective endocarditis (IE) requiring valve surgery between 1983 and 2020 in Chile.
- Analysis revealed significant increases in patient age, comorbidities, acute kidney injury presentations, mitral valve involvement, and positive cultures.
- Conversely, delays in diagnosis, heart failure presentations, aortic valve involvement, and large vegetations requiring surgery decreased over time.
Impact:
- The findings highlight a significant shift in the IE patient profile, indicating a need for updated clinical management and resource allocation.
- Demonstrates changes in disease presentation and patient complexity, influencing surgical decision-making and postoperative care.
- Provides valuable epidemiological data for public health initiatives and clinical research in infective endocarditis.
Aim:
To describe the changes observed in operated patients with infective endocarditis (IE) in the south-central region of Chile during the last four decades.
Methods:
Case series study. The target population was patients diagnosed with IE and indication for valve surgery between 1983 and 2020 from a Chilean public hospital. The universe (n = 306) was divided into four groups according to the period of valve surgery. Sociodemographic and clinical variables between these groups were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-square tests for independence. Cumulative survivals were calculated and compared using the Gehan-Breslow-Wilcoxon test.
Results:
Age at diagnosis (p < 0.001), frequency of comorbidities (p < 0.001), clinical presentation compatible with acute kidney injury (p < 0.001), independent mitral valve involvement (p < 0.001), positivity of microbiological cultures (p < 0.012) and cumulative survival (p = 0,015) increased. The delay from symptom onset to diagnosis (p = 0.003), clinical presentation compatible with heart failure (p < 0.001), independent involvement of the aortic valve (p < 0.001), and surgical indication for large vegetation (p < 0.001) decreased.
Conclusions:
The IE profile of patients seen in a public hospital in the south-central region of Chile has undergone significant changes during the last four decades.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
01:26Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies. Common...
01:25Endocarditis I: Introduction
01:25Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
01:18Endocarditis III: Medical Management
01:29Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management