Arrhythmias & electrophysiology

Outcomes for patients implanted with a cardioverter-defibrillator at <19 years of age: a Swedish national study

EuropacePublished Retrospective cohort study

Authors' conclusion

Appropriate shocks were more than twice as common in the youngest patient group, whereas adverse events were not more frequent than in the older patient group. Inadequate medication and lack of compliance were common in connection with ICD shocks.

Study context

Population
Paediatric implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) patients (<19 years) in Sweden, 1995–2017
Participants
120 patients
Outcome
Survival without appropriate shocks
Follow-up
5 years
Methodological detailsnationwide
  • Nationwide

Main finding

As reported in the abstract

Estimated 5-year survival without appropriate shocks

68%

CI 59–78

Observational data: associations, not effects.

Further findings

Incidence of paediatric ICD implantations in Sweden

Per 100 000 person-years

Peak incidence, 2010-13
0.56
Incidence, 2018-21
0.45

Medication and compliance in patients with shocks

Inappropriate shocks adequately medicated with good compliance
46%
Inadequate medication and insufficient compliance common in patients with shocks

Safety

Lower weight at implantation not a risk factor for adverse events

Original publication

Outcomes for patients implanted with a cardioverter-defibrillator at <19 years of age: a Swedish national study. Europace. Published 11 December 2025. doi:10.1093/europace/euaf317

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