Bloodstream infections in patients with transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE\nTo evaluate incidence and risk factors of bloodstream infections (BSI) in patients with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).\n\n\nMETHODS\nWe conducted a population-based study in southeastern Minnesota using the expanded Rochester Epidemiology Project (e-REP) for all adult (≥18 years) patients who underwent TAVR from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2018.\n\n\nRESULTS\nThe incidence of BSI following TAVR was 1300 episodes/100,000 persons per annum. The median time to BSI following TAVR was 610 days and 84% were community-acquired. Forty percent of BSI cases developed infective endocarditis. Viridans group streptococci (VGS) were the most common pathogens and 80% of patients with VGS BSI had IE.\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nThe high incidence of BSI among TAVR patients is alarming and is likely due to advanced age and comorbid conditions. Because 40% of BSI patients also developed IE, further investigation of modifiable risk factors associated with BSI is warranted.