The changing profile of infective endocarditis: A multi-year retrospective study for dentists

Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) has high morbidity and mortality and is often attributed to dental procedures. Aim: This study characterized variables related to paediatric IE in a paediatric hospital cohort. Design: A retrospective review of medical records, from January 1, 2008, to January 1, 2020, to examine demographic, medical and dental history, and risk factors associated with children diagnosed with IE at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Results: Of the 242 patients who were admitted with tentative IE diagnoses, 67 met the inclusion criteria: 46 (69%) had underlying cardiac conditions and 21 (31%) had not. One-third had an infection with S. aureus and viridans streptococci. Age was significantly associated with intracardiac devices in children with IE. Mean hospitalization was 25 days, and the mortality was 6 (9%); 41(61%) required surgery for causative defects, and 24 (32%) had dental consultation during admission. Conclusion: Although cardiac-related conditions were present in most cases, IE occurred in patients without cardiac factors.