Infective Endocarditis and Valve Replacement Surgery With Intravenous Substance Abuse

Providers should use a collaborative approach when determining the most appropriate treatment for persons who inject intravenous drugs (PWID) and present with endocarditis. Surgical risks are typically lower for PWID because patients are younger with few comorbidities; however, PWID are more likely to be readmitted with recurrent infection compared to patients without substance abuse disorder. The article features a case study outlining the complexity of caring for a PWID after a valve replacement. The featured case analyzes the decision to offer a second valve replacement in the setting of recurrent intravenous substance abuse and highlights the importance of multidisciplinary decision making. (c) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.