Infective endocarditis in elderly patients: clinical characteristics and outcome.

Background: The aim of this study was to describe a single unit experience for the treatment of acute infective endocarditis, for patients older than 75 years and to analyse the results of early surgery.

Patients And Methods: From January 1991 to June 2006 348 consecutive patients with definite acute infective endocarditis, according to Duke criteria, were prospectively enrolled in our database. Among these, 75 patients older than 75 years (mean age 79.

Impact of echocardiography in patients hospitalized for heart failure: a prospective observational study.

Background: Echocardiography is recommended for all patients with a clinical diagnosis of heart failure (HF). Management of HF in daily practice differs from guidelines.

Aim: To evaluate the prognostic impact of echocardiography in patients hospitalized for a first episode of HF.

Clinical features and prognosis of heart failure in women. A 5-year prospective study.

Background: Although heart failure (HF) is frequent and causes significant morbidity and mortality in women, data on the prognosis of women hospitalized for a first episode of HF are scarce. This study was designed to describe the clinical characteristics and treatment of HF in women and to assess the effect of gender on long-term survival.

Methods: We prospectively included consecutive patients admitted for a first episode of HF in all healthcare establishments of the Somme department (France) during the year 2000.