Obesity as a Risk Factor Among Hospitalized Patients with Infective Endocarditis

Abstract

Abstract Objective Obesity contributes to diagnostic and management challenges for many hospitalized patients. The impact of obesity on in-hospital outcomes in patients with infective endocarditis has not been studied and was the focus of this investigation. Method We used the 2013 and 2014 Nationwide Inpatient Sample to identify adults ≥18 years of age with a principle diagnosis of endocarditis. We divided the sample into 2 groups based on presence of absence of obesity. Multivariate linear and logistic regression analysis was used to compare in-hospital mortality, valvular replacement, length of stay (LOS), and hospitalization charges. Results A total of 24 494 adults 18 years and older were hospitalized with infective endocarditis, of which 2625 were classified as obese. Patients with obesity were older (mean age, 57.8 ± 0.3 vs 54.3 ± 0.6 years; P < .01), more likely to be female (50.1% vs 36.1%; P < .01), and had more comorbidities (Charlson comorbidity score ≥ 3, 50.6% vs 28.8%; P < .01). Multivariate regression analysis found no differences between the 2 groups for mortality or repairs or replacements for any valve. On evaluation of resource utilization, patients with obesity had longer average LOS (13.9 days; confidence interval [CI], 12.7–15.1 vs 12.4 days; CI, 12.0–12.8; P = .016) and higher total hospital charges (US $160 789.90; CI, $140.922.40–$180 657.50 vs US $130 627.20; CI, $123 916.70–$137 337.70; P <.01). After adjustment for LOS for total hospital charges, there was no observed difference $11436.26 (CI, -$6649.07–$29521.6; P = .22). Conclusions . Obesity does not significantly impact in-hospital mortality or surgical valvular interventions among patients hospitalized with infective endocarditis, but obesity is associated with increased utilization of hospital resources.