Addiction management may help treat heart infection in drug addicts

Managing a potentially deadly heart infection is complex in people who inject drugs, including opioids, stimulants, and others, and requires a unique approach to care including consultation with an addiction specialist, according to a new American Heart Association Scientific Statement published in the Association's flagship journal Circulation.

Infective endocarditis is caused by bacteria that enter the bloodstream and settle in the heart lining, a heart valve or a blood vessel. In this new scientific statement, "Management of Infective Endocarditis in People Who Inject Drugs," the American Heart Association highlights the need for specialized care in people who inject drugs, a population that has not been addressed in detail in previous guidance from the Association.

Screening people for injection drug use should promote a holistic approach to medical care without judgment. Individuals with endocarditis due to injection drug use may experience financial challenges to access treatment if they do not have health insurance or have housing instability including homelessness. They may also have underlying mental health conditions that may contribute to their addiction and treatment for both substance use disorder and infective endocarditis.

The writing group also stresses that people with infective endocarditis who inject drugs should be considered for heart valve repair or replacement surgery regardless of current drug use if they have indications for valve surgery.

Ref:

Et al,Daniel C. DeSimoneDOI: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001090