Management of Infective Endocarditis in People Who Inject Drugs: A Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association

Recently, there has been an increase in infective endocarditis cases among people who inject drugs. As a result, the American Heart Association has sponsored a writing group of recognized experts to produce a more in-depth article on the management of infective endocarditis among this unique population. The writing group concluded that management of infective endocarditis in people who inject drugs requires a unique and wholistic approach to care, including the involvement of addiction-trained clinicians and measures taken to prevent an infection recurrence. The study also emphasizes that, regardless of current drug use, people with infective endocarditis who inject drugs should be considered for heart valve repair or replacement surgery if needed.