Characteristics of patients who underwent placement of implantable cardioverters defibrillators in pediatric population in Latvia 2014-2023

Background and Aim: Pediatric population undergoing placement
of implantable cardioverters defibrillators (ICD) is a heterogeneous
group of channelopathies, cardiomyopathies and structural heart
diseases. Children’s Clinical University hospital (CCUH) is the
only hospital in Latvia were pediatric patients with heart rhythm
disorders, electronic rhythm devices and different cardiac conditions
are treated.
The aim of the study was to analyze indications and outcomes of all the patients <18 years old undergoing ICD implantation between 2014 and 2023 performed in CCUH.
Method: We reviewed the medical records and home monitoring results of all the patients <18 years old undergoing ICD implantation between 2014 and 2023 performed in the CCUH in Latvia
Results: Between 2014 and 2023, a total of 11 pediatric patients
(55% boys) underwent ICD implantation in CCUH at mean
age 12.8±5.5years.73% of indication were aborted sudden cardiac
death (ventricular fibrillation with successful resuscitation), 18%
VT due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (Danone disease),
9%(n=1) ventricular tachycardia (VT) due to gigantic fibroma
of left ventricle, 82% of ICD were with home monitoring, 18%
(n=2) subcutaneous ICD, all single chamber devices. All patients
underwent genetic examination (55% positive), 36% of them with
channelopathies. All patients received medications (82% beta
blockers (BAB), 9% BAB with mexiletine, 9% flecainide. There
was 1 case with purulent complications with reimplantation of
ICD but no overall mortality (follow up time 4.4±2.8 years).
Conclusions: pediatric patients with ICD are heterogeneous group
of diseases which are frequently genetically determined, complication
rates are low, home monitoring possibilities allow more effective
and safer follow up.