Evolution of epidemiological characteristics of infective endocarditis in Greece

Objective: The clinical profile, management and outcome of infective endocarditis (IE) may be influenced by socioeconomic issues. Methods: A nationwide prospective study evaluated IE during the era of deep economic crisis in Greece. Epidemiological data and factors associated with 60-day mortality were analyzed through descriptive statistics, logistic and Cox-regression models. Results: Among 224 patients (male 72.3%, mean age 62.4 years), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 62; methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) 33.8%) predominated in the young without impact on mortality (p = 0.593), whilst Enterococci (n = 36) predominated in the elderly. Complications of IE were associated with mortality: heart failure [OR 2.415 (95% CI: 1.159–5.029), p = 0.019], stroke [OR 3.206 (95% CI: 1.190–8.632), p = 0.018] and acute kidney injury [OR 2.283 (95% CI: 1.085–4.805), p = 0.029]. A 60-day survival benefit was solely related to cardiac surgery for IE during hospitalization [HR 0.386 (95% CI: 0.165–0.903), p = 0.028] and compliance with antimicrobial treatment guidelines [HR 0.487 (95% CI: 0.259–0.916), p = 0.026]. Compared with a previous country cohort study, history of rheumatic fever and native valve predisposition had declined, whilst underlying renal disease and right-sided IE had increased (p < 0.0001); HIV infection had emerged (p = 0.002). No difference in rates of surgery and outcome was assessed. Conclusions: A country-wide survey of IE highlighted emergence of HIV, right-sided IE and predominance of MRSA in the youth during a severe socioeconomic crisis. Compliance with treatment guidelines promoted survival.