Trends in Anesthesia

Recent analysis of research based on death certificate data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated an overall decline in infective endocarditis death rates in the U.S. from 1999 to 2020. Death rates increased significantly, however, for young adults at an average annual change of more than 5% for the 25-34 age group and more than 2% for the 35-44 age group. Infective endocarditis, a rare bacterial infection affecting the heart lining, valves, or blood vessels, can affect people with previous valve surgeries, heart valve abnormalities, artificial valves, congenital heart defects, or those who inject illicit drugs. The study highlighted a notable rise in substance use disorder diagnoses among young adults with infective endocarditis listed as the underlying cause of death. Three states at the epicenter of the opioid crisis – Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia – experienced significant increases in death rates related to infective endocarditis. Researchers deemed these rates “alarming,” prompting a call for more research and comprehensive care approaches for infective endocarditis patients, including screening and treatment for substance use disorder.

Source: asamonitor.pub/3NPmqmn