Infective Endocarditis After Renal Transplantation

BACKGROUND: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious complication in immunosuppressive patients that has adverse effects. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to define the characteristics, outcomes, and correlating factors of mortality in renal transplant recipients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Infective endocarditis was diagnosed in 22 patients from three renal transplant centers in Iran between 2000 and 2010. Modified Duke criteria were applied to confirm the diagnosis. RESULTS: Twenty-two renal transplant patients with IE were evaluated. Blood culture results were positive in 81%. Enteroccous and group D non-enterococcal were the causative microorganisms in 31% and 25% of patients, respectively. In-hospital and 12-month mortality was 41% and the mortality rate was higher in older patients in comparison to younger patients. Overall, the rates of one-year disease-free patient and graft survival were 49% and 88%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the availability of different and potent antibiotics, the mortality caused by IE remains considerably high. These patients are significantly prone to endovascular infections that affect the mortality and survival.