title: Fungal endocarditis: evidence in the world literature, 1965-1995.
abstract: We analyzed 270 cases of fungal endocarditis (FE) that occurred over 30 years. Vascular lines, non-cardiac surgery, immunocompromise and injection drug abuse are increasing risk factors. Delayed or mistaken diagnosis (82% of patients), long duration of symptoms before hospitalization (mean +/- standard deviation, 32+/-39 days) and extracardiac manifestations were characteristic. From 1988 onwards, 72% of patients were diagnosed preoperatively, compared with 43% before 1988 (P=.0001). The fungi most commonly isolated were Candida albicans (24% of patients), non-albicans species of Candida (24%), Apergillus species (24%), and Histoplasma species (6%); recently-emerged fungi accounted for 25% of cases. The mortality rate was 72%. Survival rates were better among patients who received combined surgical-antifungal treatment, were infected with Candida, and had univalvular involvement. Improvement in the survival rate (from <20% before 1974 to 41% currently) coincided with the introduction of echocardiography and with improved diagnostic acumen. Fungal endocarditis recurs in 30% of survivors. It is recommended that fungal endocarditis be diagnosed early through heightened diagnostic acumen; that patients be treated with combined lipid-based amphotericin B and early surgery; and that patients be followed up for > or =4 years while on prophylactic antifungal therapy.
authors: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. michael.ellis@uaeu.ac.ae
authors: M E
authors: ME
authors: Ellis
authors: H
authors: H
authors: Al-Abdely
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Sandridge
authors: W
authors: W
authors: Greer
authors: W
authors: W
authors: Ventura
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004696:Endocarditis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009181:Mycoses / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D017741:Survivors; D013997:Time Factors