Frequency and mechanism of bradycardia in cardiac transplant recipients and need for pacemakers

Relative Perioperative Bradycardia Does Not Lead to Adverse Outcomes After Cardiac Transplantation

“…We demonstrate, in agreement with previously published reports, that perioperative bradycardia in most cases resolves by the third week after transplantation (1-6). Our rate of pacemaker implantation of 5.8% (2/34 patients) is also similar to other studies (1,3,5,6). The hypothesis in our study was that early bradycardia might be a marker for a poorer outcome after cardiac transplantation.…”

“…Earlier studies have shown an incidence of bradycardia between 15% and 44% (1)(2)(3)(4). This is similar to our study population with an incidence of 19.5%.…”

“…This is similar to our study population with an incidence of 19.5%. In previous reports the most common rhythm disorder found was sinus node dysfunction or junctional bradycardia (1)(2)(3)14). This also agrees with our data, as the majority of the bradycardic group (30/34 patients) manifested sinus rhythm or sinus bradycardia.…”

“…The incidence of bradyarrhythmias after cardiac transplantation has been reported to be between 15% and 44% (1)(2)(3)(4). The reported causes of bradyarrhythmias include surgical trauma to the sinus node artery, increased donor ischemic time and lower temperature of cardioplegic solution (1,2,(4)(5)(6)(7).…”

“…The reported causes of bradyarrhythmias include surgical trauma to the sinus node artery, increased donor ischemic time and lower temperature of cardioplegic solution (1,2,(4)(5)(6)(7). Most episodes resolve spontaneously although they may require treatment with theophylline, and 6-23% of patients require the implantation of a permanent pacemaker (1)(2)(3)8). Overall, the prognosis of these patients does not appear to be adversely affected (9).…”