Permanent epicardial pacing in neonates and infants less than 1 year old: 12-year experience at a single center

Background: Permanent epicardial pacing is the primary choice for neonates and infants with bradyarrhythmia. We reviewed mid-term outcomes after epicardial permanent pacemaker (EPPM) implantation in this age group. Methods: From Dec 1, 2008 to Dec 1, 2019, children who underwent EPPM implantation within the first year of life were included in our study. Patients were followed up for as long as 12 years, until Jun 11, 2021, for all-cause mortality and pacemaker reoperation. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests were used for analysis. Results: Of 31 consecutive patients [18 boys (58.1%) and 2 neonates (6.5%)] included in this study, 30 (96.8%) were discharged alive and assessed at a median follow-up of 3.9 years [interquartile range (IQR) 4.7]. The median age and weight of the patients were 156 days (IQR 217) and 5.3 kg (IQR 3.5), respectively, at the time of their operation. Twenty-five (80.6%) patients had congenital heart disease, and the main indication for pacing was postoperative atrioventricular block (AVB) in 21 (67.7%) patients. During follow-up, 3 (9.7%) patients died and there were a total of 9 pacing lead failures in 7 (22.6%) patients. The median longevity of leads (unipolar steroid-eluting) was 2.9 years (IQR 3.6). Freedom from lead reoperation was 90.3%, 72.0%, 65.5% and 49.1% at 1, 3, 5, and 8 years, respectively. The median longevity of the pacing generators was 3.3 years (IQR 2.8). Freedom from generator reoperation was 90.3%, 75.6%, 52.4% and 43.6% at 1, 3, 5 and 6 years, respectively. Conclusions: The mid-term outcome of EPPM implantation in neonates and infants was acceptable. Neonates and infants with EPPM implants face the risk of repeated reoperations and all-cause death. A patient's prognosis can depend on regular follow-up, type of pacing lead and the presence of congenital heart malformations, especially complex congenital heart disease.