[Infectious endocarditis in a Norwegian hospital 1997-2006].
BACKGROUND
Infective endocarditis is a serious disease with high morbidity and mortality. The causative microorganism and predisposing factors have changed over time. Four retrospective studies of this condition have been published in Norway; the most recent in 1998. Aetiology, treatment and mortality have been reviewed for such patients admitted to a Norwegian hospital in a 10-year period.


METHODS
Medical records were reviewed for all patients ≥ 18 years admitted to Aalesund hospital, and diagnosed with infective endocarditis (as primary or secondary diagnosis) according to relevant ICD 9 and ICD 10 codes, in the period 01.01.1997-31.12.2006. Demographical, clinical, and laboratory data were recorded.


RESULTS
57 patients were diagnosed with infective endocarditis; the average age was 66 years and 37 were men. The average annual incidence was 6.3/100000 pr year. The average length of treatment was six weeks, and the first choice of antibiotics was usually a combination of penicillin and aminoglycosides (46%). The most common causative microorganism was S.aureus (21%). 42 (74%) patients had one or more complications. Nine (16%) patients died during their hospital stay.


CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of infective endocarditis in Aalesund hospital was in the upper range of previous reports. In accordance with previous studies, we found that staphylococcus is currently the most common causative micro-organism. The age of onset has increased compared to earlier Norwegian studies.
Medisinsk avdeling, Ålesund sjukehus, 6026 Ålesund, Norway.
Geeta
G
Gulati
Torstein
T
Hole
Eigill
E
Eide
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015897:Comorbidity; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000401:mortality; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D010343:Patient Admission; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents