Safety and Efficacy of Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy (OPAT) in Patients With Infective Endocarditis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a life-threatening infection requiring prolonged intravenous antimicrobial therapy. Outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) has emerged as an alternative to prolonged hospitalization, but its safety and efficacy in IE remain debated.

Hypothesis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the outcomes of OPAT in IE patients.

Methods

We systematically searched MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, Google Scholar, and Scopus for studies assessing OPAT in IE. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials and observational studies reporting at least one relevant outcome (mortality, relapse, readmission, valve surgery, and adverse events). Pooled estimates were calculated using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic. Risk of bias was evaluated using the ROBINS-I tool.

Results

A total of 25 studies involving 2654 patients were included in the analysis. Patients treated with OPAT had a mortality rate of 0% during the treatment period and 5% during follow-up. The readmission rate was 16% during the treatment period, 4% of the patients had relapse, while 16% of patients underwent cardiac surgery. During follow-up, the readmission rate was 19%, with a relapse rate of 2%, and 14% of patients underwent cardiac surgery. Sensitivity analyses did not significantly affect the results, highlighting the robustness of the findings.

Conclusion

OPAT appears to be safe and effective for IE patients, with low mortality and relapse rates. However, increased readmission rates and IV-line complications warrant careful patient selection and monitoring. Further prospective trials are needed to refine OPAT protocols.