Influence of age on the prognosis of infectious endocarditis

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 end ocarditis on native, prosthetic valves or cardiac pacing catheter was perfo rmed. 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 great er in Group 1 (p= 0.06). Cardiac failure was the main cause of death. The m ortality was significantly higher in patients who were not operated (p< 0.0 02). 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 ne cessary to diagnose and treat cardiac failure at an early stage and to cons ider referral for surgery.