Application and follow-up of implantable cardioverter defibrillator for children and adolescents / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To explore the application of implantable cardioverter defibrillator(ICD) in the prevention of sudden cardiac death for children and adolescents, the treatment of adverse events and follow-up studies.Methods:A total of 19 pediatric patients (12 males, 7 females) were admitted in the Department of Pediatric Cardio-logy, Guangdong Provincial People′s Hospital from January 2008 to March 2019, and their previous inpatient and outpatient data including medical history, ICD implantation method, postoperative program control, the use of antiarrhythmic drugs, proper/improper discharge of ICD and management of ventricular electrical storm were collected retrospectively and follow-up study was carried out.Results:A total of 19 pediatric patients were included, all of whom had once syncope or more before ICD implantation.The age at the time of ICD implantation was (12.30±2.08) years, and the weight was (40.00±13.93) kg.Eleven patients were implanted in the subpectoralis major space, 6 cases in the subfascial space, and 2 cases in the left abdomen and left armpit, respectively.All patients received oral antiarrhythmic drugs after surgery.The follow-up period was 3.2 years(0.3-11.1 years). All the children survived without complications such as electrode fracture, dislocation, venous thrombosis, cardiac perforation, capsular hematoma, rupture, and infection.Twelve cases (63.2%) had discharge events, including 10 cases (83.3%) of appropriate recognition/treatment events, and 2 cases (16.7%) of inappropriate recognition/treatment events, while 5 cases were ventricular electrical storms.Totally, 7 ICD cases (36.8%) were equipped with remote monitoring system, and 4 cases (57.1%) were detected whit adverse reactions, which were timely handled online and offline, thus avoiding adverse consequences.Conclusions:Currently, ICD is the most effective treatment for the prevention of sudden cardiac death in children and adolescents.According to age, weight and developmental conditions, different implantation methods should be selected.Appropriate/inappropriate discharge events after implantation should be identified in time, drug treatment should be optimized, and radiofrequency ablation should be performed if necessary.