Infective endocarditis 1968-1977: an Asian experience

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious infection affecting heart valves.
• Understanding the clinical patterns of IE is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical patterns of infective endocarditis in Malaysian patients.
• To identify common underlying heart conditions, causative microorganisms, and clinical features.
• To determine the hospital mortality rate and its associated complications.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 101 infective endocarditis patients treated at University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur (1968-1977).
• Analysis of patient demographics, underlying heart diseases, identified microorganisms, clinical manifestations, and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

• Rheumatic valvular disease was the most frequent underlying condition (69%).
• Co-existing aortic and mitral valve disease increased endocarditis frequency.
• Streptococcus species were the most common causative agents.
• Common clinical features included fever, heart failure, and neurological lesions.
• Hospital mortality was 22.7%, primarily due to cardiac or neurological complications.

Conclusions:

• Infective endocarditis in this cohort was predominantly associated with rheumatic valvular disease.
• Prompt diagnosis and adequate antibiotic therapy are essential for improving outcomes.
• Major cardiac and neurological complications remain significant causes of mortality.