Implantable cardiac devices may pose a heightened risk of infections, complications and morbidity, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
For the study, researchers relied on data from the International Collaboration on Endocarditis-Prospective Cohort Study, which includes patient outcomes in 61 centers in 28 countries from June 2000 to August 2006.
The researchers found that of 2,760 patients with definite infective endocarditis, 177 cases (6.4 percent) were a result of cardiac devices. Risk factors associated with cardiac device infective endocarditis are advanced age, causation by staphylococci and high prevalence of healthcare-associated infections. Patients with cardiac device infective endocarditis also saw a 14.7 percent in-hospital mortality rate and 23.2 percent one-year mortality rate.
Researchers concluded cardiac devices may pose a higher risk of infection, complications and death and pointed to the benefit of early device removal.
For the study, researchers relied on data from the International Collaboration on Endocarditis-Prospective Cohort Study, which includes patient outcomes in 61 centers in 28 countries from June 2000 to August 2006.
The researchers found that of 2,760 patients with definite infective endocarditis, 177 cases (6.4 percent) were a result of cardiac devices. Risk factors associated with cardiac device infective endocarditis are advanced age, causation by staphylococci and high prevalence of healthcare-associated infections. Patients with cardiac device infective endocarditis also saw a 14.7 percent in-hospital mortality rate and 23.2 percent one-year mortality rate.
Researchers concluded cardiac devices may pose a higher risk of infection, complications and death and pointed to the benefit of early device removal.
Related Articles on Infections:
APIC, SHEA Partner With HHS For Partnership in Prevention Award
BCBS of New Jersey Announces Improvements From 6-Year Quality Initiative
CDC Issues State-by-State Report on Healthcare-Associated Infections