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Infective endocarditis 

Infective endocarditis
Chapter:
Infective endocarditis
Author(s):

Ursula Müller-Werdan

and Karl Werdan

DOI:
10.1093/med/9780198701590.003.0084
Page of

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date: 03 March 2021

Infective endocarditis (IE) can involve native and prosthetic valves but also prosthetic surfaces of the heart like pacemakers and defibrillators. At least one-fourth of IE patients are aged >70 years. In the aged patient, healthcare-associated IE plays a prominent role, not only in patients with pre-existing valve disease, but also in those without. Blood culture and echocardiography are the cornerstones of diagnostics, antibiotics and—in 50%—valve surgery are the cornerstones of therapy. The geriatrician should cooperate with an Endocarditis Team—infectious disease specialist, cardiologist, and cardiac surgeon—when taking care of these patients, which have a mortality of 15–20%, with patients aged ³70 years having a 60% higher risk of dying.

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