Course and Complications of Infective Endocarditis in Left-Handed Native Valves

Abstract

Introduction: Complications of infective endocarditis in left-handed native valves are a highly clinically relevant problem due to the significant morbidity and mortality they cause.

Objective: To describe the clinical-epidemiological and progression characteristics of patients with complications from infective endocarditis.

Methods: An observational and descriptive study was conducted from 2006 to 2023 at Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical-Surgical Teaching Hospital. The sample consisted of 107 patients. Qualitative variables were summarized as frequencies and percentages. End-of-treatment response rates were compared between groups using the chi-square test, with statistical significance set at *p* < 0.05. Qualitative variables were summarized as frequencies and percentages. End-of-treatment response rates were compared between groups using the chi-square test, with statistical significance set at p < 0,05.

Results: The mean patient age was 53.4 ± 16.9 years, with a predominance of individuals over 50 (65%) and males (67.5%). Positive cultures were found in 52.3% of cases, most commonly coagulase-negative staphylococci and enterococci (14.9% each). Complications occurred in 63.6% of patients, including uncontrolled sepsis, heart failure, multiorgan failure, cardiogenic shock, arrhythmias, and conduction disorders. Neurological events showed a significant association with mortality (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified uncontrolled sepsis and neurological complications as independent predictors of discharge outcomes. Overall, 17.8% of patients (n = 19) died, while 18 experienced complications.

Conclusions: A significant association was observed between mortality and complications.