INFECTIOUS ENDOCARDITIS AND ITS CURRENT THERAPY: BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

Abstract

Infective endocarditis is a challenging disease that requires a multidisciplinary approach for its proper management. Over the years, significant advances have been made in the diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of this condition, but there are still challenges to overcome. Objective: To conduct a literature review on the subject, aiming to address the therapeutic strategies currently used. Methodology: This is a qualitative and descriptive research, using the method of integrative literature review (ILR). Articles were searched in the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), PubMed, and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO) databases. The selection of articles in these platforms was done using the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) descriptors "Infective Endocarditis," "Treatment," and "Epidemiology," as well as their respective Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS): "Endocardite Infecciosa," "Tratamento," and "Epidemiologia." Articles published in the last five years (2019-2022) that addressed the therapy of infective endocarditis and were available in full text in Portuguese, English, or Spanish were included. Results: After applying the inclusion criteria, 12 articles were selected to support the discussion, divided into the following three categories: Evolution in the treatment of infective endocarditis, Challenges and obstacles in the early diagnosis of infective endocarditis, and Current pharmacotherapy in infective endocarditis. Final Considerations: Infective endocarditis remains a challenging clinical condition, but advances in diagnosis and treatment have led to improvements in clinical outcomes. It is important for healthcare professionals, including cardiologists, infectious disease specialists, clinical microbiologists, and multidisciplinary teams, to continue collaborating and sharing knowledge to further improve early diagnosis, appropriate therapy, and prevention of infective endocarditis, aiming for better outcomes and quality of life for patients affected by this complex condition.