Comparison of various aspects of cardiac resynchronization therapy between Latvia and Europe: data from CRT survey II

Heart failure is one of major cardiovascular health problems and guideline based approach in treatment guidance includes cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) along with optimal medication therapy if dissynchrony between cardiac chambers is present. To compile data of CRT device implantation practice in European countries as a joint initiative between the Heart Failure Association (HFA) and the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) CRT II survey was created. The study was designed to include all patients assigned to de-novo implantation of CRT with paČēmaker function (CRT-P), CRT with an incorporated defibrillator (CRT-D), an upgrade from permanent paČēmaker (PPM) or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) from October 1st 2015 til December 31st 2016 and for each patient electronic case report form (eCRF) was completed. Each participating country, had each eCRF data-point benchmarked against the total cohort. In total 79 patients were included from Latvia. Mean age of patients was 68,1 similarly to total cohort of other ESC member states and 21,8 % of patients were female. Latvian patients compared to other countries more often had permanent atrial fibrillation, NYHA class III and IV, ejection fraction >35 %. CRT-Ds and multipolar lead implantation rates were higher. Peri-procedural complication rates were similarly low in both groups. At the discharge prescribed medication rates were similar but more frequently MRAs, ivabrAdīne and calcium channel blockers were prescribed and slightly less ACE inhibitors/ARBs were prescribed. CRT survey II is valuable resource that describes ongoing practice of cardiac resynchronization therapy around Europe and benchmarking against total cohort is nationally significant for each participating country.