Drug addiction and infective endocarditis

Venous drug users undergoing infective endocarditis surgery are at risk of postoperative relapse and high mortality. In this study, researchers assessed the characteristics of drug use, psychosocial problems, surgical outcomes and postoperative addiction management. They then analyzed these in relation to loss to follow-up, relapse and mortality and their risk factors. In all, the study, conducted between 2010 and 2020, involved 227 drug users. Heroin was the most commonly used drug. Psychosocial problems included homelessness, legal problems, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress. The number of medications prescribed at discharge for opioid use disorders increased from 0% in 2010 to 100% in 2020.