Shocks from pacemaker cardioverter defibrillators increase with amiodarone in patients at high risk for sudden cardiac death

Abstract

Background: Amiodarone is commonly used in combination with a PCD to decrease episodes of ventricular tachycardia and subsequent PCD shocks. However, the effectiveness of amiodarone in this setting is not clear. To evaluate the effect of concurrent amiodarone use on subsequent Pacemaker Cardioverter Defibrillator (PCD) shocks, a retrospective registry of 82 patients with PCD implantation was reviewed over 24 months. Methods: Patients were analyzed based on treatment with amiodarone (yes/no) and with subset analyses based on age, left ventricular ejection fraction and concomitant treatment with beta-adrenergic blockade.