Endocarditis infecciosa en niños menores de 15 Años. Investigación realizada en el Hospital del Niño Dr. Francisco de Icaza Bustamante, periodo 2016 – 2023.

Abstract

Background: Infective Endocarditis (IE) is a serious disease that affects the endocardium. Despite therapeutic advances, mortality from IE remains high, especially in patients with severe complications, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and timely management. Objective: to analyze Infectious Endocarditis in children under 15 years of age at the Francisco de Icaza Bustamante hospital, period 2016 - 2023. Methodology: retrospective, cross-sectional cohort study, with a sample of 14 patients with IE between 2016 and 2023. Results: the incidence of IE in the period analyzed was 1.66 = 2/10,000 hospital admissions, 57% of patients with IE had heart disease. The most prevalent germ was Streptococcus viridans: 28.6%. No statistically significant association was found between the presence of previous heart disease or the type of germ isolated (p= 0.175), there was no association between survival and microorganism (p=0.40). An association was identified between cardiovascular comorbidities and the presence of complications, acting as a risk factor for developing IE (p= 0.010). Conclusion: IE in children under 15 years of age is complex, requiring multidisciplinary management. The Duke criteria are useful for diagnosis, but limitations in microbiological identification indicate the need to improve diagnostic resources. The variability in clinical presentation and outcomes underscores the need for continuous surveillance and personalization in the management of IE.