Higher risk of device-related complications after cardioverter defibrillator implantations in DM1 patients

Pacemakers (PM) and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) may be indicated for sudden death prevention in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). However the risk of complications after the placement of these devices is unknown. This study compared the rate of device-related complications between PM and ICD implantations in 23 patients with DM1who were implanted with an ICD and 46 matched controls with a PM.

Over a 6 years follow-up period, device-related complications were observed in 9 ICD recipients (inappropriate shocks in 5, lead dysfunction in 5, infection in 2) and in 3 PM recipients (lead dysfunction in 3). Compared to Patients with an ICD, those with a PM HAD higher rates of complications (39.1% vs. 6.5%, p = 0.0006) and more frequent complications requiring hospitalisation and/or re-intervention (respectively 30.4% and 21.7% vs. 0%).

Sochala M, Wahbi K, Sorbets E, et al. Risk for Complications after Pacemaker or Cardioverter Defibrillator Implantations in Patients with Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. J Neuromuscul Dis. 2017 Jun 6. doi: 10.3233/JND-170232. [Epub ahead of print]