Abstract | BACKGROUND: Dual chamber pacing ( DDD) in the elderly is still a controversial issue because of its short life expectancy and the risk of atrial fibrillation. The aim of the study was 1) to evaluate the cumulative survival and the events capable of modifying it, 2) to evaluate the stability of sinus rhythm, and 3) to try to identify patients who are at a higher risk of developing permanent atrial fibrillation after DDD implantation. We evaluated clinical, electrophysiological and pacing parameters at the time of implantation. METHODS: We examined retrospectively a group of 135 consecutive patients who were > 80 years old and who were treated with DDD in the last decade. RESULTS: At the time of evaluation (mean 33.51 +/- 27.10 months, range 4-148 months) after DDD implantation, 72% of patients were still alive. Sinus rhythm was documented in 96 (71%) patients (group A). Thirty-nine (29%) patients (group B) developed atrial fibrillation after a mean period of 28.56 +/- 30.9 months (range 1-125 months). The right atrial endocavitary signal amplitude was lower in group B compared to that observed in group A (2.6 +/- 1.16 vs 3.27 +/- 1.91 mV). The pacing and sensing atrioventricular delay were not statistically different in both groups. The minimum heart rate was higher in patients who developed atrial fibrillation (64.53 +/- 7.7 vs 67.7 +/- 5.72 b/min respectively in group A and in group B, p = 0.02). Group B patients had a higher rate of atrial fibrillation pre-implantation episodes. The incidences of sick sinus disease and of atrioventricular nodal disease were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS:
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Authors | Enzo Hrovatin, Fabio Zardo, Marco Brieda, Ermanno Dametto, Lina Sparacino, Francesco Antonini-Canterin, Claudio Burelli, Guoqian Huang, Gian Luigi Nicolosi |
Journal | Italian heart journal. Supplement : official journal of the Italian Federation of Cardiology
(Ital Heart J Suppl)
Vol. 3
Issue 10
Pg. 1027-33
(Oct 2002)
ISSN: 1129-4728 [Print] Italy |
Vernacular Title | Utilità ed appropriatezza della stimolazione bicamerale nell'ultraottantenne con storia di fibrillazione atriale parossistica. |
PMID | 12478829
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, English Abstract, Journal Article)
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Topics |
- Age Factors
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Atrial Fibrillation
(etiology, prevention & control)
- Data Interpretation, Statistical
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Heart Rate
- Humans
- Life Expectancy
- Male
- Pacemaker, Artificial
- Retrospective Studies
- Risk Factors
- Safety
- Survival Analysis
- Time Factors
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