title: [Effect of age on the prognosis of infectious endocarditis].
abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of age on the prognosis of infectious endocarditis. A retrospective study from 1987 to 1997 of 136 patients with infectious endocarditis on native, prosthetic valves or cardiac pacing catheter was performed. The outcome was analysed with the help of general practitioners. Two groups of patients were compared: 87 patients of 65 years of age or more (Group 1) and 49 patients under 65 years of age (Group 2). With a follow-up period of 5 years, the global mortality was 35%, but greater in Group 1 (p = 0.06). Cardiac failure was the main cause of death. The mortality was significantly higher in patients who were not operated (p < 0.002). The authors conclude that age of over 65 does not significantly worsen the prognosis of infectious endocarditis. The absence of surgery seems to be an indirect factor of a poor prognosis. Long-term follow-up of patients is necessary to diagnose and treat cardiac failure at an early stage and to consider referral for surgery.
authors.affiliation: Service de médecine interne et maladies infectieuses, CHU La Milétrie, Poitiers.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Paccalin
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Pasdeloup
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cazenave-Roblot
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ragot
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Breux
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Raud-Raynier
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Fauchere
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Corbi
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Roblot
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Becq-Giraudon
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013997:Time Factors