Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40114087›Full record

Observational studyBMC cardiovascular disorders2025

Exploring sex differences in infective endocarditis - a prospective, observational study from Western Norway.

Stina Jordal, Helga Midtbø, Einar Skulstad Davidsen, Eli Leirdal Hoem, Øystein Alexander Power, Rune Haaverstad, Pirjo-Riitta Salminen, Øyvind Kommedal, Bård Reiakvam Kittang

Abstract readObservational StudyComparative Study
In one paragraph

Observational study in BMC cardiovascular disorders, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
3citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

3 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
  2. Article
  3. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Stina JordalSection of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. stinajordal@gmail.com.
Helga MidtbøDepartment of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
Einar Skulstad DavidsenDepartment of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
Eli Leirdal HoemSection of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
Øystein Alexander PowerSection of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
Rune HaaverstadDepartment of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
Pirjo-Riitta SalminenDepartment of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
Øyvind KommedalDepartment of Microbiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
Bård Reiakvam KittangDepartment of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundWe aimed to investigate sex-differences among patients with infective endocarditis (IE) in Western Norway, focusing on clinical presentation, treatment strategies, and outcomes.

methodsThis prospective observational study included 131 females, and 366 males diagnosed with IE between 2016 and 2022. Clinical and microbiological characteristics were analysed using chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests, while survival data were assessed via Kaplan-Meier estimates and multiple Cox regression models.

resultsThe mean age was 69 years for females and 66 years for males (p = 0.317). PRIMARY OUTCOMES: Mortality rates were significantly higher in females at 30 days (13% vs. 7%, p = 0.028), at 90 days (19% vs. 11%, p = 0.016), and overall (46% vs. 36%, p = 0.016), with a mean follow-up of 3.2 years (± 2.3 years). SECONDARY OUTCOMES: The mitral valve was more frequently affected in females than in males (31% vs. 17%, p < 0.001), and Staphylococcus aureus more often the microbial cause (36% vs. 27%, p = 0.049). While surgical treatment rates were similar (26% of females and 34% of males, p = 0.075), females with aortic valve IE underwent surgery at a significantly lower rate (23% vs. 39%, p = 0.001) and experienced longer delays before surgery (median 25 vs. 21 days, p = 0.043). Multivariable analysis identified higher age (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00-1.04, p = 0.014) and mitral valve infection (HR 2.88, 95% CI 1.57-5.29, p < 0.001) as independent predictors of 90-day mortality, while surgery significantly improved survival (HR 0.38, 95% CI 0.17-0.81, p = 0.013).

conclusionsMitral valve IE was more common in females and strongly associated with higher mortality. Females with IE had higher mortality rates, more frequent mitral valve involvement, and a greater incidence of S. aureus infections. Despite the clear survival benefit of surgery, females with aortic valve IE underwent fewer and later surgeries. These findings highlight potential sex disparities in IE management and emphasize the need for further research into sex-based differences in treatment strategies and outcomes.

Indexed as

EndocarditisEndocarditis, BacterialHealthcare DisparitiesHealth Status DisparitiesAgedAged, 80 and overFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedNorwayProspective StudiesRisk AssessmentRisk FactorsSex FactorsTime FactorsInfective endocarditisMitral valveMortality ratesNative valveSex-differenceStaphylococcus aureusSurgical treatment

Identifiers

PMID40114087
PMCPMC11924711

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.