Remote Management of Patients with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Remote monitoring (RM) is the newest function of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). In our observational retrospective analysis, we aimed to assess whether telecardiology could be a safe alternative to routine outpatient examinations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The in- and outpatient visits, the number of acute cardiac decompensation episodes, the RM data from CIEDs, and general condition were examined via questionnaires (KCCQ, EQ-5D-5L). Regarding the enrolled 85 patients, the number of personal patient appearances was significantly lower in the year following the pandemic outbreak compared to the previous year (1.4 ± 1.4 and 1.9 ± 1.2, p = 0.0077). The number of acute decompensation events was five before and seven during lockdown (p = 0.6). Based on the RM data, there was no significant difference in heart failure (HF) markers (all related p > 0.05); only patient activity increased after restrictions were lifted compared to that before the lockdown (p = 0.03). During restrictions, patients reported increased anxiety and depression compared to their previous state (p < 0.001). There was no subjective change in the perception of HF symptoms (p = 0.7). Based on the subjective perception and CIED data, the quality of life of patients with CIED did not deteriorate during the pandemic, but their anxiety and depression intensified. Telecardiology may be a safe alternative to routine inpatient examination.

[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on basic resuscitation and success rate after sudden cardiac arrest]. / A COVID­19-pandémia hatása a hirtelen szívmegállást követo alapszintu újraélesztésre és annak sikerességére.

Since the onset of the coronavirus disease, infection-related mortality has been tracked worldwide and the number of deaths caused by the virus is counted daily. The coronavirus pandemic has not only transformed our daily life, but reorganized the whole healthcare system. In response to the increased demand for hospital admissions, leaders in different countries have implemented a number of emergency actions. The restructuring has had both direct and indirect negative effects on the epidemiology of sudden cardiac death, the willingness of lay rescuer to give cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of automated external defibrillators, but these negative effects vary widely across continents and countries. In order to protect lay people and health workers as well as to prevent the spread of the pandemic, the previous recommendations of the European Resuscitation Council on basic and advanced life support have undergone a few modifications. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(13): 483-487.