Steep rise in drug use-associated infective endocarditis in West Virginia: Characteristics and healthcare utilization

Original research
by
Bhandari, Ruchi et al

Release Date

2022

Geography

USA

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Yes

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

We utilized a newly developed, statewide database to describe epidemiologic characteristics and healthcare utilization among patients with (DU-IE) and without (non-DU-IE) drug use-associated infective endocarditis (IE) in WV over five years.

Findings/Key points

This multisite study reveals a 681% increase in IE admissions in WV over five years primarily attributable to injection drug use, underscoring the urgent need for both prevention efforts and specialized strategies to improve outcomes.

Design/methods

Retrospective observational study of medical records

Keywords

About PWUD
Illegal drugs
Injecting drugs