Outcomes of cardiac resynchronization therapy in congenital heart disease: A meta‐analysis and systematic review

Introduction Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a standard treatment for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. However, there is still a gap of evidence in congenital heart disease (CHD) patients regarding resynchronization therapy. Methods We performed a meta‐analysis and systematic review of CHD patients who received CRT implantation. We comprehensively searched the databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane database from inception to June 2023. Studies that reported response rate to CRT, total mortality rate, change in QRS duration, change in left ventricular ejection fraction, and change in New York Heart Association functional class were included. Results A total of 14 studies were included in the study. There were 10 studies that reported response rates after implantation. The overall response rate to CRT in CHD patients was 68% (95% confidence interval [CI] 61%–75%, I 2 32%). The response rates in patients with systemic right ventricle (RV), systemic left ventricle (LV), and single ventricle were 58% (95% CI 46%–70%, I 2 0%), 80% (95% CI 74%–86% I 2 14%), and 67% (95% CI 49%–80% I 2 0%). Response to CRT in systemic RV was inferior to systemic LV with an odds ratio of 0.38 (95% CI 0.15–0.95, I 2 38%). The total mortality rate from seven studies was 12% (95% CI 8%–18%, I 2 55%). The parameters which represented ventricular dyssynchrony improved after CRT implantation. Conclusion The overall response rate to CRT in CHD was 68%. Patients with systemic RV had a lower response rate to CRT when compared to patients with systemic LV. The total mortality rate after CRT implantation was 12%.