2023 ESC Guidelines for the management of endocarditis: Developed by the task force on the management of endocarditis of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Endorsed by the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) and the European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM)

Overall, the incidence of osteoarticular infection among patients with IE is 6-8%, including bones, joints, and vertebral discs.[5],[145],[247],[516] The prevalence of spondylodiscitis ranges from 2% to 10% in patients with IE, including symptomatic and asymptomatic cases,[248],[517] while series of spontaneous spondylodiscitis have reported co-existing IE in up to 20-30% of patients.[[518], [520]] In general, the rate of IE is 10 times higher in patients with known spondylodiscitis. Patients with neutropaenia Neutropaenia is common in patients with haematological malignancies and in patients receiving chemotherapy for other malignancies, but is rare in patients presenting with IE.[814] Neutrophils play an important role in the pathogenesis of IE by producing layers of extracellular traps that entrap bacteria-platelet aggregates, leading to expansion of these aggregates, vegetation growth, and the destruction of tissues.[814] The diagnosis of IE can therefore be challenging in patients with neutropaenia, delaying the appropriate treatment, and worsening outcomes. Patient-centred care encourages involvement and collaboration between patients, families, and healthcare providers during all stages of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.[[828], [830]] Core elements of patient-centred care include: involvement of family and caregivers, respect for patients' preferences and values, care co-ordination and continuity, information and education, as well as physical comfort and emotional support ( I Figure 14 i ).[[828], [830]] Graph: Figure 14 Concept of patient-centred care in infective endocarditis. [Extracted from the article]