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.
Keywords: Endocarditis; Infection; Kidney Transplantation.