[Complications of single chamber pacemakers (pacemaker syndrome). Short-term and long-term follow-up of 278 patients]. / Complications de la stimulation cardiaque monochambre (syndrome de pacemaker). Suivi de 278 patients à moyen et long terme.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To assess complications of single chamber pacemaker VVI. MATERIALS AND 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.