Infective endocarditis in children: A 5 year experience from Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Considering that there are no regional published data regarding the epidemiologic findings of infective endocarditis (IE) in children, in this study we reviewed the epidemiologic and clinical features and treatment and outcome of children diagnosed with IE at Al-Zahra hospital over a 5-year period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, medical records of patients (<18 years old) admitted from March 2006 to March 2011 in Al-Zahra Hospital (Pediatrics Infectious or Cardiology Departments) reviewed. The medical files reviewed regarding demographic, clinical, diagnostic (laboratory, microbiological and echocardiographic details) and treatment and outcome details. Obtained data were recorded in a questionnaire. The diagnosis of IE was determined based on Duke criteria.

RESULTS: In this study, 17 patients fulfill the Duke criteria for definite or the possible IE. The most common causes of IE was non-cyanotic heart disease (ventricular septal defect and AS; 64.8%). From cyanotic hearth disease, Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) was the most frequent causes (11.8%). In this study, 41% of patients with IE aged < 2 years and 70% aged < 6 years. In this study, 76.5% of patients had a history of congenital heart disease or cardiac surgery. Blood cultures were positive in 10 patients (58.8%). Coagulase-negative staphylococci (23.5%) and Staphylococcus aureus (11.7%) were the most common organisms that cause IE.

CONCLUSION: It seems that in order to provide a regional comprehensive guideline for appropriate management and prevention of IE related complications further advanced studies with larger sample size and evaluation is recommended.