Prognostic useful of the new risk index for infective endocarditis

UNLABELLED: The aim of study was the separation of the group of patients with the high risk of death based on the risk index (I(R)) calculated with use of C-reactive protein and hemoglobin concentrations measured on the admission. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The initial group consisted 41 patients (16 women and 25 men) hospitalized between 1999 and 2005 with the recognition of the infective endocarditis based on the Duke University criteria. The IR was calculated according to the formula: I(R) = [(CRP[mg/l])/(Hgb[g/dl]-beta)] x 10, and the coefficient beta = 6 g/dl. RESULTS: The I(R) was significantly higher among deceased patients than among patients with good early prognosis (376,6 vs 79,9; p < 0,001). The risk index exceeding 100 is strongly associated with high death risk among patients with infective endocarditis. CONCLUSION: This index may also be very useful in reaching the diagnosis and the efficacy prognosing of treatment.