Key result
Asymptomatic bacterial colonization of generator pockets was associated with a 7.5% incidence of device infection compared to 2.4% in patients with negative cultures (P=0.33).
Why the study?
Does asymptomatic bacterial colonization of generator pockets increase the risk of device infection in ICD patients undergoing replacement or revision?
Cohort (n=122)
Does asymptomatic bacterial colonization of generator pockets increase the risk of device infection in ICD patients undergoing replacement or revision?
Absolute Event Rate: 7.5% vs 2.4%
p-value: p=0.33
A third of asymptomatic ICD patients undergoing replacement have bacterial colonization, which may be associated with subsequent device infection.
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Does not support routine pocket cultures at implantation; leaves open the predictive value of asymptomatic colonization for device infection.
Kleemann et al. (2009) conducted a cohort in ICD patients undergoing generator replacement or surgical lead revision without signs of infection (n=122). Bacterial colonization of generator pockets vs. Negative culture was evaluated on device infection during follow-up (p=0.33). Asymptomatic bacterial colonization of generator pockets was associated with a 7.5% incidence of device infection compared to 2.4% in patients with negative cultures (P=0.33).