Antibiotic Prophylaxis and Treatment in Early Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices Infection

Background

Cardiac implantable electronic devices - PM, ICD, and CRTs- are well-proven life-sustaining and the ultimate destination for many heart conditions. Based on scientific evidence, there is a worldwide incremental increase in CIED implantations numbers.

Objective

Early infection of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED)- pacemaker (PM), implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)- is a growing health challenge. We examined the effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis and treatment of early infection of CIED in a single center.

Methods

This is a retrospective, single-center observational study. Data were collected from patients' records from July 2017-July, 2019. All Patients received intravenous ceftriaxone 2gm before incision, Gentamicin 120mg pocket irrigation, and oral Amoxicillin/Clavulanate for 5 days post-implantation.

Results

A 639 consecutive CIED implantations - PM (n=474, mean age, 64yr, female=49%), ICD (n=106, mean age 56yr, female=17%) and CRT (n=59, mean age, 54yr, female=20%)- were performed over 3years. The incidence of early infection was 1.9% (12 cases), female=41%. PM=5/474, ICD=5/106, and CRT=2/59. Three out of the 12 patients had total device explant due to pocket abscess; one PM had a generator changed; one ICD who had a pneumothorax, and the third one had reimplantation after ICD lead perforation. Nine cases were managed conservatively using saline dressing and oral Amoxicillin/Clavulanate, 3/9 patients developed a hematoma, 4/9 patients developed purulent suture line infection. None of them had infection recurrence on three months follow up.

Conclusion

Early infection of CIED is a rare complication with multiple predisposing factors. Our protocol is reassurance and prompt initiation of management protocol to prevent and treat this issue's sequences.

Comparison of cost-effectiveness of implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy in patients for primary prevention in Latin America: an analysis using the Improve SCA study

OBJECTIVE

The mortality benefit of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) for primary prevention (PP) of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) has been well-established, but ICD therapy remains globally underutilized. The results of the Improve SCA study showed a 49% relative risk reduction in all-cause mortality among ICD patients with 1.5 primary prevention (1.5PP) characteristics (patients with one or more risk factors, p < 0.0001). We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of ICD compared to no ICD therapy among patients with 1.5PP characteristics in three Latin American countries and analyzed the factors involved in cost-effectiveness.

METHODS

We used a published Markov model that compares costs and outcomes of ICD to no ICD therapy from local payers' perspective and included country-specific and disease-specific inputs from the Improve SCA study and current literature. We used WHO-recommended willingness-to-pay (WTP) thresholds to assess cost-effectiveness and compared model outcomes between countries.

RESULTS

Incremental costs per QALY (quality-adjusted life year) saved by ICD compared to no ICD therapy are Colombian Pesos COP$46,729,026 in Colombia, Mexican Pesos MXN$246,016 in Mexico, and Uruguayan Pesos UYU$1,213,614 in Uruguay in the base case scenario; all three figures are between 1-3-times GDP per capita for each country. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses confirm the base case scenario results. Non-cardiac accumulated deaths are lower in Mexico, resulting in a comparatively increased cost-effective ICD therapy.

LIMITATIONS

The Improve SCA study was not randomized, so clinical results could be biased; however, measures were taken to reduce this bias. Costs and benefits were modelled beyond the timeline of direct observation in the Improve SCA study.

CONCLUSIONS

ICD therapy is cost-effective in Mexico and Uruguay and potentially cost-effective in Colombia for a 1.5PP population. Variability in ICER estimates by country can be explained by differences in non-cardiac deaths and cost inputs.

Remote monitoring and telemedicine in heart failure: implementation and benefits

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Remote monitoring (RM) of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) is recommended as part of the individualized multidisciplinary follow-up of heart failure (HF) patients. Aim of this article is to critically review recent findings on RM, highlighting potential benefits and barriers to its implementation.

RECENT FINDINGS

Device-based RM is useful in the early detection of CIEDs technical issues and cardiac arrhythmias. Moreover, RM allows the continuous monitoring of several patients' clinical parameters associated with impending HF decompensation, but there is still uncertainty regarding its effectiveness in reducing mortality and hospitalizations. Implementation of RM strategies, together with a proactive physicians' attitude towards clinical actions in response to RM data reception, will make RM a more valuable tool, potentially leading to better outcomes.

Comparison of second appropriate defibrillator therapy occurrence in patients implanted for primary prevention and secondary prevention - Sub-analysis of the Nippon Storm Study

Background

Patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) use for primary prevention (primary prevention patients) of sudden cardiac death have lower incidence of appropriate ICD therapy (app-Tx) compared with those with ICD use for secondary prevention (secondary prevention patients). However, detail analysis of a second app-Tx after a first app-Tx is still lacking.

Objective

This study aimed to compare the incidence of a second app-Tx in primary vs secondary prevention patients.

Methods

We conducted sub-analysis of the Nippon Storm Study, which was a prospective, observational study involving 985 patients with structural heart disease (left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 50%). Of these, we selected 251 patients (62 ± 14 years old, 82% men) who experienced at least one appropriate ICD therapy, and compared occurrence of a second app-Tx between primary (n = 116) and secondary (n = 135) prevention patients.

Results

There was no significant difference in the incidence of a second app-Tx between primary and secondary prevention patients (the cumulative incidence for a second app-Tx was 59% at 1 year and 79% at 3 years in primary prevention patients vs the cumulative incidence for the second app-Tx was 59% at 1 year and 75% at 3 years in secondary prevention patients).

Additionally, we evaluated the incidence of a second app-Tx according to basal structural disease (ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy) and found no significant difference between primary and secondary prevention patients.

Conclusion

Once app-Tx occurs, primary prevention patients acquire the high risk of subsequent ventricular arrhythmias because there is a comparable incidence of a second app-Tx in secondary prevention patients.

A Qualitative Analysis of Patient-Related Factors Associated With Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Acceptance

INTRODUCTION

Patient-related factors determining implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) use for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death in patients with cardiomyopathy have not been well explored. To assess race and sex differences regarding ICD preferences in this patient population, we sought to analyze a diverse cohort of patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction.

METHODS

We conducted qualitative interviews of 28 adults with severe HF and either (1) an ICD or (2) no ICD. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded using an inductively developed codebook by independent investigators. Coding was fully adjudicated and transcripts were reviewed to identify themes.

RESULTS

We recruited patients between 12/2015 and 06/2017, primarily from the outpatient cardiology clinic (24/28 = 86%). Half were women (50%) and 13/28 (46%) were black. Eight did not have an ICD. Neither race nor sex was associated with ICD. Four themes emerged: (1) HF requiring an ICD is profoundly disruptive to patients' lives; (2) patients had positive, yet unrealistic opinions of ICDs; or (3) Patients had negative/ambivalent opinions of ICDs; (4) medical decision-making included aspects of shared decision-making and informed consent.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients without ICDs perceived less benefit from ICDs and had less decision support. Participants viewed conversations with providers as insufficient. Needed interventions include the development and validation of processes for informed decisions about ICDs.

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Therapy in Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction: An Observation from the KCHF Registry

BACKGROUND

It remains unclear the clinical characteristics and prognosis of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) on prevention for sudden cardiac death (SCD) in Japanese patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). We investigated the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and clinical outcomes in a contemporary large-scale Japanese ADHF registry.

METHODS

Among the consecutive 3785 patients hospitalized for ADHF and discharged alive in the Kyoto Congestive Heart Failure registry, we identified 1409 patients with reduced LVEF (ICD: N = 115, non-ICD: N = 1294).

RESULTS

Patients in the ICD group were younger (69.3 ± 12.9/74.2 ± 13.6 years; p < 0.001), more likely to be men (84%/65%), and more often had a history of heart failure hospitalization (70%/36%; p = 0.001), cardiomyopathy as the underlying heart disease (51%/27%; p < 0.001), and previous serious ventricular arrhythmia (57%/3.8%; p < 0.001), and had lower LVEF (25.4±7.4%/29.5±6.9%; p < 0.001), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (43.0±19.7/47.8±23.4 mL/min/1.73m2; p = 0.04) than those in the non-ICD group. The cumulative 1-year incidence of the primary arrhythmic composite endpoint of SCD, arrhythmic death, or resuscitated cardiac arrest trended to be lower in the ICD group than in the non-ICD group (0.0% versus 3.4%, p = 0.053), and the lower adjusted risk of the ICD group relative to the non-ICD group was significant for the primary arrhythmic endpoint (HR 0.10, 95% CI, 0.01-0.53; p = 0.003). However, there were no differences in the cumulative incidences of all-cause death between the ICD and non-ICD groups (17.3% versus 17.5%, p = 0.68), and the adjusted risk of the ICD group relative to the non-ICD group remained insignificant for all-cause death (HR, 0.85; 95%CI, 0.52-1.36, p = 0.51).

CONCLUSIONS

This study elucidated the real-world features of ADHF patients between those with ICD and those without. ICD use in patients with ADHF and reduced LVEF as compared with non-ICD use was associated with significant risk reduction for arrhythmic events, but not for mortality.

Current challenges in sudden cardiac death prevention

Ischemic heart disease and non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy are the most common causes of arrhythmic sudden cardiac death (SCD). Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy is the only strategy that proved to be effective in preventing SCD in high-risk individuals while the role of antiarrhythmic drugs is limited to symptoms relief. Current guidelines recommend selecting candidates to ICD implantation based on etiology, symptoms of heart failure (NYHA class), and severely depressed left ventricular ejection fraction, but these parameters are neither sensitive nor specific. The review addresses the mechanisms of SCD in patients with heart failure of either ischemic or non-ischemic etiology, risk stratification, and strategies for prevention of SCD in the clinical practice (including optimization of heart failure therapy, avoidance of triggering factors, antiarrhythmic drugs, ICD therapy, early resuscitation, and public access defibrillators).

Do all patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator need a generator change? A health service evaluation of patients who underwent generator changes from a single tertiary center

BACKGROUND

The patient characteristics, therapy received and outcomes after one or more implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) generator changes from contemporary practice is not well known.

METHODS

We conducted a health service evaluation of patients who underwent ICD implantation and generator change. Patients who had generator changes from February 2016 to October 2019 were identified from our database and electronic records were reviewed for patient characteristics, number of generator changes, receipt of therapy and death.

RESULTS

Our database included 88 patients with a generator change. A total of 22 patients (25.0%) received dual chamber ICD, 10 patients (11.4%) received single chamber ICD, 54 patients (61.3%) received cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator and 2 patients (2.3%) received subcutaneous ICD. A second generator change occurred in 18 patients and a third generator changes was performed in 6 patients. There were 29 deaths and a follow up period of 9.4 ± 2.9 years. From implant to initial generator change 39 patients had appropriate antitachycardia pacing (ATP), 6 patient had inappropriate ATP, 29 patients had appropriate shocks and 5 patients had an inappropriate shock. Between the 1st and 2nd generator change and the 2nd and 3rd there were no cases of inappropriate ATP or shock. Overall, 42 patients out of the 88 had appropriate therapy (47.7%) and 7 patients had inappropriate therapy (8.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients with ICDs do not receive therapy and a minority have inappropriate therapy which typically occur before the first generator change as we observed no inappropriate therapy beyond the first generator change.

Management of cardiac implantable electronic device infection using a complete interdisciplinary approach

Technological advances and increasing operator experience have improved the success rate of transvenous lead extraction (TLE). However, in some cases-especially with longer lead dwelling time-TLE can be highly complicated. In this case report, the authors present an unusual case of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) pocket infection diagnosed by ¹⁸F‑fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (¹⁸F‑FDG-PET/CT). Complete lead extraction required a combined transvenous and surgical approach. Contralateral reimplantation failed due to occlusion of the right brachiocephalic vein. Therefore, a subcutaneous ICD was implanted. This case highlights the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to the treatment of cardiac implantable electronic device infection.

The effect of revascularization on mortality and risk of ventricular arrhythmia in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy

Background

There is clear evidence that patients with prior myocardial infarction and a reduced ejection fraction benefit from implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). It is unclear whether this benefit is altered by whether or not revascularization is performed prior to ICD implantation.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study following patients who underwent ICD implantation from 2002 to 2014. Patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and either primary or secondary prevention ICDs were selected for inclusion. Using the electronic medical record, cardiac catheterization data, revascularization status (percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary bypass surgery) were recorded. The outcomes were mortality and ventricular arrhythmia.

Results

There were 606 patients included in the analysis. The mean age was 66.3 ± 10.1 years, 11.9% were women, and the mean LVEF was 30.5 ± 12.0, 58.9% had a primary indication for ICD, 82.0% of the cohort had undergone coronary catheterization prior to ICD implantation. In the overall cohort, there were fewer mortality and ventricular arrhythmia events in patients who had undergone prior revascularization. In patients who had an ICD for secondary prevention, revascularization was associated with a decrease in mortality (HR 0.46, 95% CI (0.24, 0.85) p = 0.015), and a trend towards fewer ventricular arrhythmia (HR 0.62, 95% CI (0.38, 1.00) p = 0.051). There was no association between death or ventricular arrhythmia with revascularization in patients with primary prevention ICDs.

Conclusion

Revascularization may be beneficial in preventing recurrent ventricular arrhythmia, and should be considered as adjunctive therapy to ICD implantation to improve cardiovascular outcomes.

Efficacy and safety of transvenous lead extraction using a liberal combined superior and femoral approach

Purpose

During transvenous lead extraction (TLE), the femoral snare has mainly been used as a bail-out procedure. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a TLE approach with a low threshold to use a combined superior and femoral approach.

Methods

This is a single-center observational study including all TLE procedures between 2012 till 2019.

Results

A total of 264 procedures (median age 63 (51–71) years, 67.0% male) were performed in the study period. The main indications for TLE were lead malfunction (67.0%), isolated pocket infection (17.0%) and systemic infection (11.7%). The median dwelling time of the oldest targeted lead was 6.8 (4.0–9.7) years. The techniques used to perform the procedure were the use of a femoral snare only (30%), combined rotational powered sheath and femoral snare (25%), manual traction only (20%), rotational powered sheath only (17%) and locking stylet only (8%). The complete and clinical procedural success rate was 90.2% and 97.7%, respectively, and complete lead removal rate was 94.1% of all targeted leads. The major and minor procedure-related complication rates were 1.1% and 10.2%, respectively. There was one case (0.4%) of emergent sternotomy for management of cardiac avulsion. Furthermore, there were 5 in-hospital non-procedure-related deaths (1.9%), of whom 4 were related to septic shock due to a Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis after an uncomplicated TLE with complete removal of all leads.

Conclusion

An effective and safe TLE procedure can be achieved by using the synergy between a superior and femoral approach.

Distribution and impact of age in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators regarding early complications and 1-year clinical outcome: results from the German Device Registry

BACKGROUND

Patients receiving implantable-cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) in clinical practice are often older or younger than in clinical trials. Whether older patients benefit from ICD-therapy in a similar way as younger patients is under debate. The objective of this study was to provide real-world data regarding outcomes with respect to age in a large cohort in the German Device Registry.

METHODS

Within the registry data from 50 German centers were collected between January 2007 and February 2014.

RESULTS

Our analysis included 3239 ICD patients representing a group of young (28%; group I: < 58 years), intermediate aged (50%; group II: 58-74 years), and elderly patients (22%; group III: 75-92 years). Intergroup comparison of all groups was performed followed by individual comparison vs. group II serving as age-reference group. Procedure-related complications did not differ between all groups. Analysis of the primary endpoint, 1-year all-cause mortality, revealed an increased mortality in the elderly and a decreased mortality in the young cohort vs. the reference group II (group I 2.1%, group II 6.2%, group III 13.2%; p < 0.001). While all-cause rehospitalizations did not differ, we observed a difference in reported device revisions showing more device revisions required in younger patients (group I 8.9%, group II 6.8%, group III 4.0%; p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

One-year mortality was doubled in elderly ICD patients probably due to non-cardiac causes. These results further underpin the need for re-evaluating the primary prevention ICD indication in octo- and nonagenarians. Young patients show lower mortality rates but seem to bear higher risk of device-related complications, which highlights the need for improved measures to reduce device-related complications in the young.

Dose-response association of implantable device-measured physical activity with long-term cardiac death and all-cause mortality in patients at high risk of sudden cardiac death: a cohort study

Background

Cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) with physical activity (PA) recording function can continuously and automatically collect patients’ long-term PA data. The dose-response association of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRTD)-measured PA with cardiovascular outcomes in patients at high risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) was investigated.

Methods

In total, 822 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included and divided into three groups according to baseline PA tertiles: tertile 1 (< 8.04%, n = 274), tertile 2 (8.04–13.24%, n = 274), and tertile 3 (> 13.24%, n = 274). The primary endpoint was cardiac death, the secondary endpoint was all-cause mortality.

Results

During a mean follow-up of 59.7 ± 22.4 months, cardiac death (18.6% vs 8.8% vs 5.5%, tertiles 1–3, P < 0.001) and all-cause mortality (39.4% vs 20.4% vs 9.9%, tertiles 1–3, P < 0.001) events decreased according to PA tertiles. Compared with patients younger than 60 years old, older patients had a lower average PA level (9.6% vs 12.8%, P < 0.001) but higher rates of cardiac death (13.2% vs 8.1%, P = 0.024) and all-cause mortality (28.4% vs 16.7%, P < 0.001) events. Adjusted multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that a higher tertile of PA was associated with a lower risk of cardiac death (hazard ratio (HR) 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.25–0.68, tertile 2 vs tertile 1; HR 0.28, 95% CI: 0.15–0.51, tertile 3 vs tertile 1, P_trend < 0.001). Similar results were observed for all-cause mortality. The dose-response curve showed an inverse non-linear pattern, and a significant reduction in endpoint risk was observed at the low-moderate PA level. The HR for cardiac death was reduced by half with 12.32% PA (177 min), and the HR for all-cause mortality was reduced by half with 11.92% PA (172 min). Subgroup analysis results indicated that older adults could benefit from PA and the range for achieving optimal benefits might be lower.

Conclusions

PA monitoring may aid in long-term management of patients at high risk of SCD. More PA will generate better survival benefits, but even low-moderate PA is already good especially for older adults, which is relatively easy to achieve.

Association between fine particulate matter and atrial fibrillation in implantable cardioverter defibrillator patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia with several risk factors. Recent studies have suggested that the exposure to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) increased the incidence of AF, but there is no meta-analysis of AF occurrence due to the exposure to PM_2.5 in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of publication using PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane library, and Web of Science to explore the association between PM_2.5 and AF within ICD patients. The chosen studies were published until June 11, 2020. The I² statistic and Q test were used to examine statistical heterogeneity across studies. Further sensitivity analyses were carried out to ascertain the reason for heterogeneity. Fixed or random-effect model was used to combine the effects. Final result was presented as the OR with 95% CI of increased incidence of AF for every 10 μg/m³ PM_2.5 concentration increased.

RESULTS

After screening our analysis contained four studies and involved 1689 AF events from 572 patients. After using the random-effect model to combine the included study result, the overall OR was 1.24 (95% CI 1.00-1.53).

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis indicated that PM_2.5 exposure had an adverse effect on AF incidence in ICD patients.

Heart failure hospitalizations and costs in ICD/CRT-D recipients following replacement or upgrade: the DECODE registry

Aims

The aim of this study is to report heart failure hospitalization (HFH) rates and associated costs within 12 months following implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)/cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT‐D) device replacement or upgrade from ICD to CRT‐D.

Methods and results

The DEtect long‐term COmplications after icD rEplacement (DECODE) was a prospective, single‐arm, multicentre cohort study that explored complications in ICD/CRT‐D recipients. All clinical and survival data at 12 months were prospectively analysed. For each adjudicated HFH, admission and discharge dates and ICD‐9‐CM diagnosis and procedure codes were recorded. The reimbursement for each HFH was calculated for each diagnosis‐related group code. Between 2013 and 2015, 983 patients (mean age 71 years, male 76%, mean left ventricular ejection fraction 35%, and New York Heart Association Class I/II 75.6%) were enrolled. Patients underwent device replacement (900; 91.6%, 446 ICD/454 CRT‐D) or ICD upgrade to CRT‐D (83; 8.4%). Post‐replacement hospitalizations occurred in 220 patients, with the primary discharge diagnosis identifying cardiovascular causes in 175 patients (80%). Fifty‐five (5.6%) patients experienced at least one HFH. Overall, 91 HFH events occurred (9.6% event rate, 95% confidence interval: 7.7–11.7) in 70 patients; 66 (6.7%) patients died, 40 (60.6%) of cardiovascular causes. The HFH rate was significantly higher following upgrades, and the occurrence of HFH was associated with an 11‐fold increased mortality risk (95% confidence interval: 5.9–20.5, P < 0.0001). Medical diagnosis‐related group accounted for 91.2% of HFH; the mean cost per HFH was €5662 ± 9497, and the mean cost per patient was €9369 ± 12 687. On multivariate analysis, predictors of HFH were atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease, and all‐cause hospitalization within 30 days prior to the procedure.

Conclusions

In the DECODE registry, HFH and mortality rates in the year following ICD/CRT‐D replacement or upgrade were low. In this particular subset, underlying cardiac disease was the main driver of HFH, mortality, and higher healthcare expenditures.

Anxiety, depression, ventricular arrhythmias and mortality in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator: 7 years' follow-up of the MIDAS cohort

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether anxiety and depression at time of implantation of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is associated with ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) and mortality 7 years later.

METHODS

A cohort of 399 patients (80% men; mean (SD) age = 58.3 (12.2)) implanted with an ICD completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory at time of implantation. Patients were followed up for VAs and mortality at 7 years.

RESULTS

At 7-years follow-up, 34% of the patients had died and 38% had experienced VAs. Baseline depression (score ≥ 8) (HR:2.10; 95% CI:1.44-3.05, p < 0.001) was associated with 7-year mortality in adjusted analyses while state anxiety (score ≥ 40) (HR:1.45; 95% CI:1.02-2.06, p = 0.039) and trait anxiety (score ≥ 40) (HR:1.51; 95% CI:1.06-2.16, p = 0.022) showed a trend towards an association with mortality. No association was found between VAs and anxiety and depression. There was a dose-response relationship with higher burden of anxiety (HR:2.13; 95% CI:1.31-3.46, p = 0.002) and depression (HR:2.13; 95% CI:1.33-3.42, p = 0.002) measured with the HADS (scores < 8, 8-10 and > 10) being associated with an increased risk of mortality.

CONCLUSION

Patients with depression had greater risk of mortality, whereas anxiety only showed a trend. Neither anxiety nor depression was associated with VAs during follow-up.

First episode of ventricular fibrillation in an 84-year-old man with long-QT type 2 syndrome: A case report

Congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) is associated with ventricular arrhythmia and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death in young people. However, it is extremely rare for an elderly man to experience ventricular fibrillation (VF) due to congenital LQTS as a first episode. We describe the case of an 84-year-old man who experienced syncope after urination. He had a medical history of hypertension and asthma, but no history of syncope. Electrocardiographic findings in 2017 showed QT prolongation (corrected QT = 505 ms). No medication that could induce QT prolongation was administered. Blood test results on admission showed no electrolyte abnormalities, and there were no abnormal findings on echocardiography. The second episode of loss of consciousness occurred during hospitalization, and electrocardiography revealed incessant torsade de pointes, caused by R-on-T with short-long-short (SLS) sequences due to bradyarrhythmia. Coronary angiography did not detect myocardial ischemia, and an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was implanted for secondary prevention. Genetic testing revealed a mutation of the KCNH2 gene, indicating LQTS type 2. In summary, we report a rare case of prolonged QT interval with SLS sequences due to sick sinus syndrome triggering VF as the first attack in an elderly patient with LQTS type 2. <Learning objective: Physicians should be aware of the prolongation of QT as a cause of syncope in elderly patients and should pay attention to QT duration. Furthermore, patients with elderly-onset QT prolongation may have a genetic background associated with congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS); therefore, we should not hesitate to perform genetic testing in cases where LQTS is suspected in elderly patients.>.

Global longitudinal strain for prediction of ventricular arrhythmia in patients with heart failure

AIMS

Currently, the ejection fraction [left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)] is the main criterion used for implanting implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) for primary prevention. However, many of ICD receivers would not have an event and do not have any gains from the device. Consequently, improving the discrimination strategies is needed. Here, we aimed at assessing the role of global longitudinal strain (GLS) for such purpose.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Seventy ischaemic or dilated cardiomyopathy cases characterized by LVEF ≤ 40% with a previously implanted ICD were enrolled. LVEF and GLS amounts were evaluated using 3D echocardiography. The occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias was checked by analysing the ICD history. Mean follow-up period of patients was 1.8 ± 0.6 years. There was a significant difference in the amount of GLS in arrhythmic cases compared with non-arrhythmic ones (-6.97 ± 3.06 vs -11.82 ± 4.25; P < 0.001). This difference was found in both ischaemic and dilated cardiomyopathy groups. A GLS below -10 cm/s could predict the occurrence of a ventricular event by 90% specificity and 72.2% sensitivity (area under the curve = 0.84, P < 0.001). While 27.39 (69.2%) patients with GLS below -10 cm/s had a ventricular event, only 3.31 (9.6%) of the patients with GLS above -10 had an event) P < 0.001). Those patients with a GLS ≥ 17 cm/s never experienced a ventricular arrhythmia.

CONCLUSIONS

Global longitudinal strain is a more accurate predictor of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with reduced LVEF. Whether it may help in selecting more appropriate patients for ICD implantation or not should be evaluated within a randomized trial in the future.

Clinical outcomes after primary prevention defibrillator implantation are better predicted when the left ventricular ejection fraction is assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance

BACKGROUND

The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is the key selection criterion for an implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in primary prevention of sudden cardiac death. LVEF is usually assessed by two-dimensional echocardiography, but cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is increasingly used. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether LVEF assessment using CMR imaging (CMR-LVEF) or two-dimensional echocardiography (2D echo-LVEF) may predict differently the occurrence of clinical outcomes.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we reviewed patients referred for primary prevention ICD implantation to Caen University Hospital from 2005 to 2014. We included 173 patients with either ischemic (n = 120) or dilated cardiomyopathy (n = 53) and who had undergone pre-ICD CMR imaging. The primary composite end point was the time to death from any cause or first appropriate device therapy.

RESULTS

The mean CMR-LVEF was significantly lower than the mean 2D echo-LVEF (24% ± 6 vs 28% ± 6, respectively; p < 0.001). CMR-LVEF was a better independent predictive factor for the occurrence of the primary composite endpoint with a cut-off value of 22% (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 2.22; 95% CI [1.34-3.69]; p = 0.002) than 2D echo-LVEF with a cut-off value of 26% (HR = 1.61; 95% CI [0.99-2.61]; p = 0.056). Combination of the presence of scar with CMR-LVEF< 22% improved the predictive value for the occurrence of the primary outcome (HR = 2.58; 95% CI [1.54-4.30]; p < 0.001). The overall survival was higher among patients with CMR-LVEF≥22% than among patients with CMR-LVEF< 22% (p = 0.026), whereas 2D echo-LVEF was not associated with death.

CONCLUSIONS

CMR-LVEF is better associated with clinical outcomes than 2D echo-LVEF in primary prevention using an ICD. Scar identification further improved the outcome prediction. The combination of CMR imaging and echocardiography should be encouraged in addition to other risk markers to better select patients.

Do acute changes in ambient air pollution increase the risk of potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators?

BACKGROUND

Daily changes in ambient air pollution have been associated with cardiac morbidity and mortality. Precipitating a cardiac arrhythmia in susceptible individuals may be one mechanism. We investigated the influence of daily changes in air pollution in the Province of Ontario, Canada on the frequency of discharges from implantable cardio defibrillators (ICDs) which occur in response to potentially life threatening arrhythmias.

METHODS

Using a case- crossover design, we compared ambient air pollution concentrations on the day of an ICD discharge to other days in the same month and year in 1952 patients. We adjusted for weather, lagged the exposure data from 0 to 3 days, and stratified the results by several patient-related characteristics.

RESULTS

Median (interquartile range) for ozone (O₃), fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) were 26.0 ppb (19.4, 33.0), 6.6 μg/m³ (4.3, 10.6), 1.00 ppb (0.4,2.1), 10.0 ppb (6.0,15.3) respectively. Unlagged odds ratios (95%) for an ICD discharge associated with an interquartile range increase in pollutant were 0.97 (0.86, 1.09) for O₃, 0.99 (0.92, 1.06) for PM_2.5, 0.97 (0.91, 1.03) for SO₂, and 1.00 (0.89, 1.12) for NO₂.

CONCLUSION

We found no evidence that the concentrations of ambient air pollution observed in our study were a risk factor for potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias in patients with ICDs.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators at the end of life: future perspectives on clinical practice

The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is effective in terminating life-threatening arrhythmias. However, in the last phase of life, ICD shocks may no longer be appropriate. Guidelines recommend timely discussion with the patient regarding deactivation of the shock function of the ICD. However, research shows that such conversations are scarce, and some patients experience avoidable and distressful shocks in the final days of life. Barriers such as physicians’ lack of time, difficulties in finding the right time to discuss ICD deactivation, patients’ reluctance to discuss the topic, and the fragmentation of care, which obscures responsibilities, prevent healthcare professionals from discussing this topic with the patient. In this point-of-view article, we argue that healthcare professionals who are involved in the care for ICD patients should be better educated on how to communicate with patients about ICD deactivation and the end of life. Optimal communication is needed to reduce the number of patients experiencing inappropriate and painful shocks in the terminal stage of their lives.

Validity of the newly developed 4-item ANXiety-scale in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator: A 12-month follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Subclinical anxiety symptoms are associated with risk of impaired mental and physical health status, ventricular tachyarrhythmias and mortality, in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). This study evaluates the validity of the brief and new 4-item Anxiety Scale (ANX4) and its predictive value in relation to health status 12-months post ICD implantation.

METHODS

A total of 288 ICD patients completed the ANX4 questionnaire. Factor analysis was performed to assess the validity of the scale. In a subsample of N = 212 patients, regression analysis was performed to assess questionnaires' predictive value of health status at 12-months follow-up.

RESULTS

Analyses of the ANX4 revealed a one-factor structure with a high internal consistency (α = 0.894). The ANX4 correlated significantly with existing generic and disease specific measures of anxiety symptoms STAI-S (r = 0.62), GAD-7 (r = 0.58), HADS-A (r = 0.66) and ICD related concerns (ICDC) (r = 0.44). Baseline anxiety symptoms were associated with lower levels of physical (β = -0.276; p < .001) and mental (β = -0.551; p < .001) health status 12-months post ICD implantation, adjusting for demographic and clinical variables.

CONCLUSIONS

The 4-item ANX4 shows to be a valid measure of anxiety symptoms in ICD patients and predicts physical and mental health status up to 12 months follow-up. Further studies are warranted to replicate these findings, determine the cut-off score for clinical relevant symptoms, and whether the ANX4 can be used in other populations.

[Psychological adjustment in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator: primary prevention and secondary prevention. A comparative study.]

OBJECTIVE

The implantation of the Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) influences the psychological adjustment and the degree of subjective discomfort. The objective of this work was to analyze differences in psychological adjustment, fear of shocks and the degree of subjective discomfort derived from the illness depending on the reasons for implantation (primary vs secondary).

METHODS

A sample of 82 patients with an ICD, for primary (58.5%) or secondary (41.5%) prevention indications was studied. A sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire and List of Brief Symptoms (LBS-50) was used. Descriptive univariate and bivariate analysis, t-tests on mean differences for independent samples and z-tests on proportion differences were performed.

RESULTS

Regarding psychological adjustment, 43.9% of the patients reported to have sleeping disorder, regardless the type of prevention. A greater percentage of patients of primary prevention had scored higher in clinical scales. The 29.4% of patients with secondary prevention reported to be afraid of experiencing some shock. The 25% of patients whose type of prevention was primary showed severe or moderate level of subjective discomfort derived from the illness compared with the 14.7% of the secondary prevention patients (p=0.7).

CONCLUSIONS

The patients with an ICD show symptoms clinically significant in Psychoactivity, Obsession-Compulsion, Anxiety, Somatization, Sleeping disorders and Psychopathology Risk Index. Both groups, regardless the type of prevention showed a similar psychological adjustment. Regarding the fear of shocks and the degree of subjective discomfort derived from the illness, no statistically significant differences between the groups were found.

Defibrillation threshold testing during implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation: 5-year follow-up

PURPOSE

Defibrillation threshold (DFT) testing is a routine practice in some Asian countries for patients receiving an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). However, there are few long-term data about the necessity of intraoperative DFT testing in an Asian population. We investigated the safety of DFT testing and the long-term clinical outcomes in Asian patients undergoing ICD implantation.

METHODS

All patients undergoing de novo transvenous ICD implantation were randomized to undergo periprocedural DFT testing. The study included 67 patients (50 males; 51.5 ± 16.9 years) who underwent ICD implantation with (n = 33) or without (n = 34) intraoperative DFT testing between March 2012 and February 2014. We compared first-shock success, composite safety end points (the sum of complications recorded at 30 days), arrhythmic death, and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

The baseline clinical characteristics and the procedural-related adverse event rate (3.0% with DFT vs. 0% with non-DFT, p = 0.214) did not differ between groups. The programmed output of the first shock was lower in the DFT testing group (22.9 ± 4.4 J vs. 25.3 ± 5.4 J, p = 0.007). However, there were no significant differences between groups for all-cause mortality (12.1% vs. 17.6%, p = 0.526) or first-shock success rate for ventricular arrhythmia (100% vs. 88.2%, p = 0.471).

CONCLUSIONS

There were no between-group differences in periprocedural safety, complications, and long-term clinical outcomes. Our results suggest that DFT testing in Asian patients allows reduction of the programmed output of the first shock, but does not affect long-term clinical outcomes.

[Anesthetic management in a patient with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator: a case report]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a genetic cardiomyopathy characterized by potentially lethal ventricular tachycardia. Here we describe a patient with ARVC and an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) in whom maxillary sinus surgery was performed under general anesthesia.

CASE REPORT

The patient was a 59 year-old man who was scheduled to undergo maxillary sinus surgery under general anesthesia. He had been diagnosed as having ARVC 15 years earlier and had undergone implantation of an ICD in the same year. Electrocardiography showed an epsilon wave in leads II, aVR, and V1-V3. Cardiac function was within normal range on transthoracic echocardiography. The ICD was temporarily deactivated after the patient arrived in the operating room and an intravenous line was secured. An external defibrillator was kept on hand for immediate defibrillation if any electrocardiographic abnormality was detected. Remifentanil 0.3 μg/kg/min, fentanyl 0.1 mg, propofol 154 mg, and rocuronium 46 mg were administered for induction of anesthesia. Tracheal intubation was performed orally. Anesthesia was maintained oxygen 1.0 L.min^-1, air 2.0 L.min^-1, propofol 5.0-7.0 mg.kg^-1.h^-1, and remifentanil 0.1-0.25 μg.kg^-1.min^-1. The surgery was completed as scheduled and the ICD was reactivated. The patient was then extubated after administration of sugammadex 200 mg.

CONCLUSION

We report the successful management of anesthesia without lethal arrhythmia in a patient with ARVC and an ICD. An adequate amount of analgesia should be administered during general anesthesia to maintain adequate anesthetic depth and to avoid stress and pain.