Long-term survival of patients with infective endocarditis.

BACKGROUND Investigators in Lyon, France reported long-term outcome of 330 patients with infective endocarditis (IE). This article compares experience of the cohort to what would be expected in the general population. RESULTS Excess mortality persisted for many years following IE. Average annual mortality ratios were highest in the first and second years (4050% and 662%, respectively) and decreased gradually thereafter to a low of 219% during duration 10-12 years. Morbidity risk following IE would also be increased because of greater likelihood of recurrent IE, heart failure, embolism, valve thrombosis, additional valve surgery, complications of anticoagulant therapy, and stroke. CONCLUSIONS Morbidity and mortality risk remain elevated for many years following recovery from IE.