Non-nosocomial healthcare-associated infective endocarditis in Taiwan
Author Information
Author(s): Wu Kuan-Sheng, Lee Susan Shin-Jung, Tsai Hung-Chin, Wann Shue-Ren, Chen Jui-Kuang, Sy Cheng-Len, Wang Yung-Hsin, Tseng Yu-Ting, Chen Yao-Shen
Primary Institution: Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital
Hypothesis
What are the clinical and microbiological characteristics and outcomes of non-nosocomial healthcare-associated infective endocarditis (NNHCA-IE) in Taiwan?
Conclusion
NNHCA-IE is underrecognized and carries a high mortality rate.
Supporting Evidence
- NNHCA-IE accounted for 15% of all infective endocarditis episodes.
- Patients with NNHCA-IE had a higher in-hospital mortality rate of 50.0%.
- Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent pathogen identified.
Takeaway
There is a type of heart infection that happens outside of hospitals, and it can be very serious. Doctors need to recognize it early to help patients better.
Methodology
A retrospective study of patients with infective endocarditis admitted to a hospital over five years.
Potential Biases
Potential underrecognition of NNHCA-IE cases due to atypical presentations.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and conducted in a single hospital, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Patients were mostly older adults, median age 67 years, with significant comorbidities.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 2.4-25.2
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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