[Complications of single chamber pacemakers (pacemaker syndrome). Short-term and long-term follow-up of 278 patients].
OBJECTIVE
To assess complications of single chamber pacemaker VVI.


METHODS
We reviewed the medical files of 278 patients implanted with VVI pacemaker at Saint Joseph Hospital, Bawchrieh, Lebanon, between 1978 and 1988. We looked for complications that have been reported by the patients. We compared these complications to different factors: age, indication, retrograde conduction ECG aspect before implant.


RESULTS
36 patients (12.9%) reported at least once one of these complications: fatigue, headache, neck pain, palpitations, confusion, dyspnea, angina, chest pain, pulmonary oedema, pedal oedema, atrial fibrillation, cerebrovascular accident. These complications were more frequent when the indication was an atrial disease compared to AV Block. The retrograde conduction was frequent in patient with complications. Heart failure was aggravated by stimulation, but not induced by it.


CONCLUSIONS
The single chamber VVI is complicated by symptoms which could be minor, moderate and major. VVI is an acceptable mode of stimulation when the indication is AV block. The dual chamber pacemaker should consider the cost-effectiveness.
Jazra
C
C
Service de cardiologie, Hôpital Saint-Joseph, Bauchrié, Liban.
Bakhos
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004867:Equipment Design; D005221:Fatigue / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010146:Pain / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013577:Syndrome
Complications de la stimulation cardiaque monochambre (syndrome de pacemaker). Suivi de 278 patients à moyen et long terme.