title: Prognostic value of microvolt T-wave alternans in a real-world ICD population. Twente ICD Cohort Studie (TICS).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Survival benefit from ICD implantation is relatively low in primary prevention patients. Better patient selection is important to maintain maximum survival benefit while reducing the number of unnecessary implants. Microvolt T-wave alternans (MTWA) is a promising risk marker. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the predictive value of MTWA in ICD patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This study was a substudy of the Twente ICD Cohort Study (TICS). Patients with ischaemic or non-ischaemic left ventricular dysfunction who received an ICD following current ESC guidelines were eligible for inclusion. Exercise-MTWA was performed and classified as non-negative or negative. The primary endpoint was the composite of mortality and appropriate shock therapy. Analysis was performed in 134 patients (81 % male, mean age 62 years, mean ejection fraction 26.5 %). MTWA was non-negative in 64 %. There was no relation between non-negative MTWA testing and mortality and/or appropriate shock therapy (all p-values >0.15). Due to clinical conditions, 24 % were ineligible for testing. These patients experienced the highest risk for mortality (p < 0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Non-negative MTWA testing did not predict mortality and/or appropriate shock therapy. Furthermore, MTWA testing is not feasible in a large percentage of patients. These ineligible patients experience the highest risk for mortality.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcentrum Twente, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Haaksbergerstraat 55, 7513 ER, Enschede, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kraaier
authors.forename: M A G M
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Olimulder
authors.forename: P F H M
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: van Dessel
authors.forename: A A M
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Wilde
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Scholten