From the Guidelines
The global incidence of infective endocarditis is estimated to range from 3 to 10 episodes per 100,000 person-years, with a significant increase in incidence observed in older adults, particularly those between 70 and 80 years of age, with a peak incidence of 14.5 episodes per 100,000 person-years 1. The incidence of infective endocarditis varies by region and population characteristics, with methodological differences between surveys potentially contributing to this variation 1.
- Key factors influencing the incidence of infective endocarditis include:
- Age, with a dramatic increase in incidence observed in older adults
- Sex, with a male:female ratio of 2:1, although the higher proportion of men is poorly understood
- Pre-existing valvular heart disease, prosthetic heart valves, and other underlying health conditions
- The epidemiology of infective endocarditis has shifted in recent decades, with a growing proportion of cases occurring in elderly patients with healthcare exposure rather than in younger patients with rheumatic heart disease.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial therapy are crucial for improving outcomes in infective endocarditis, given the significant mortality rates associated with this infection, ranging from 15-30% during initial hospitalization and approximately 40% at one year 1.
From the Research
Incidence of Infective Endocarditis
- The incidence of infective endocarditis is estimated to be between 30 and 80 cases per million inhabitants per year in the general population in industrialized countries 2.
- A study published in 2000 estimated the incidence of infective endocarditis to be seven cases per 100,000 population per year, with a trend of increasing incidence 3.
- Another study published in 2023 found that the incidence of infective endocarditis exceeds 1% per year in patients with a history of endocarditis 2.
- The incidence of infective endocarditis increases after the age of 60, and Staphylococcus is now the most frequent responsible microorganism 2.
Trends in Incidence and Mortality
- A study published in 2023 found that age-standardised incidence rates (ASIRs) for infective endocarditis were higher in males than females and increased in both sexes in all countries between 1990 and 2019 4.
- The same study found that ASIRs increased for both sexes in all countries except Finland and Austria, with a recent steep rise in ASIRs noted in several countries including the UK, the USA, and Germany 4.
- Mortality rates (ASMRs) for infective endocarditis increased for both sexes in all countries except Finland and Austria, with the largest increase in ASMR observed in females in Italy (+246%) 4.
Global Distribution
- The incidence of infective endocarditis varies globally, with higher rates observed in industrialized countries 2.
- A study published in 2023 found that the incidence of infective endocarditis was higher in countries such as the UK, the USA, and Germany, compared to other countries 4.