An Analysis of the Incidence of Infective Endocarditis in Patients Receiving CatheterHemodialysis at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation from January to December 2023
Introduction
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a significant risk for hemodialysis patients due to
frequent vascular access and underlying comorbidities.
Objectives
To investigate the incidence of infective endocarditis among patients undergoing
catheter hemodialysis at GPHC during the specified period.
Method
This retrospective chart review included all catheter-based hemodialysis patients at
GPHC from January to December 2023. Data were collected and analyzed using Epi Info 7.0
software, ensuring confidentiality through secure Excel spreadsheets.
Results
The study reviewed 60 patients, with a 16.7% incidence of IE, higher than the 8.3%
reported in comparable studies. Comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension were
present in 60% of IE cases, and all patients used permanent HD catheters. The study found a
predominance of East Indian ethnicity (70%) among affected individuals, with longer
hemodialysis durations (>10 months) associated with higher IE incidence (50%).
Microbiological analysis identified Enterococcus faecalis in 60% of cases, with valve
involvement in the mitral (50%), tricuspid (30%), and aortic (20%) valves.
Conclusion
The study reveals a high incidence of IE among GPHC hemodialysis patients,
emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring and preventive strategies. These findings
underscore the importance of targeted infection prevention measures and stringent catheter
care protocols.
Recommendations
Implement standardized diagnostic protocols to improve IE diagnosis
accuracy. Foster multidisciplinary collaboration among nephrologists, infectious disease
specialists, and cardiologists for optimized management of IE.
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