Evaluating echocardiography's usefulness in patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia

Evaluation of the Usefulness of Echocardiography in Patients With Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteremia at Low Risk of Infective Endocarditis (ET-AUREUS Study).

Not applicable Interventional Puerta de Hierro University Hospital · NCT05862025

This study is testing whether patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia who are considered low-risk really need heart scans to check for infections in the heart.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment470 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorPuerta de Hierro University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Majadahonda, Madrid)
Trial IDNCT05862025 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This prospective cohort study aims to assess the prevalence of infective endocarditis (IE) in patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia who are identified as low-risk using the VIRSTA score. The study will determine if transthoracic or transesophageal echocardiography can be safely omitted in these patients. Additionally, it will evaluate the cost-benefit of avoiding echocardiographic testing for those deemed low-risk. Participants will undergo mandatory echocardiography within the first two weeks of bacteremia onset.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults diagnosed with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia who are considered low-risk for infective endocarditis.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, those under 18 years old, or individuals with contraindications for echocardiography will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could reduce unnecessary echocardiographic procedures in low-risk patients, leading to cost savings and more efficient patient care.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored the risk of infective endocarditis in similar patient populations, but this specific approach to omitting echocardiography in low-risk cases is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous episode of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia.
* Pregnant women
* Patients younger than 18 years old.
* High estimated probability of death during 72 hours of study inclusion.
* Patients with contraindication of transesophageal echocardiography, including: esophageal varices, other serious esophageal diseases (including tumors, perforation, diverticulum and previous esophageal surgery), severe coagulopathy (platelets count lower than 50.000 cel/mL or I.N.R above 4), low consciousness, recent upper gastroesophageal bleeding, serious espinal vertebrae pathology (previous radiotherapy, active spondylodiscitis, severe spondylarthrosis)
* Abscense of written informed consent or patient's negative to undergo echocardiography evaluation.

Where this trial is running

Majadahonda, Madrid

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Staphylococcus Aureus BacteremiaInfective EndocarditisStaphylococcus aureusbacteremiainfective endocarditisrisk factorsechocardiography
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.