Quality of Life in Patients with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators
Author Information
Author(s): Francis Johnson, Beena Johnson, Michael Niehaus
Primary Institution: Medical College Calicut, Kerala, India
Hypothesis
How does the implantation of cardioverter defibrillators affect the quality of life in patients?
Conclusion
Most studies indicate that quality of life is either neutral or improved in patients with implantable defibrillators, although those receiving shocks may experience a decline.
Supporting Evidence
- Thirty studies with a total of 3412 patients on implantable defibrillators were identified.
- Five of the studies were large randomized trials with a total of 1680 patients.
- Only one of the five major randomized trials reported worsening quality of life after implantation of a defibrillator.
Takeaway
This study looked at how having a special heart device affects people's happiness and health. Most people felt okay or better, but some who got painful shocks felt worse.
Methodology
A systematic meta-analysis of studies reporting quality of life in patients with ICDs was conducted using professional databases.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the inclusion of both randomized and non-randomized studies.
Limitations
The study primarily included data from existing studies, which may have varying methodologies and sample sizes.
Participant Demographics
The studies included a total of 3412 patients with various demographics, primarily focusing on those with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.09
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