Impact of COVID-19 infection among patients hospitalized for conventional pacemaker implantation: Analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2020

IntroductionThe cardiac pacemaker is indicated for treating various types of bradyarrhythmia, providing lifelong cardiovascular benefits. Recent data showed that COVID-19 has impacted procedure numbers and led to adverse long-term outcomes in patients with cardiac pacemakers. However, the impact of COVID-19 infection on the in-hospital outcome of patients undergoing conventional pacemaker implantation remains unclear. MethodPatients aged above 18 years who were hospitalized for conventional pacemaker implantation in the Nationwide In-patient Sample (NIS) 2020 were identified using relevant ICD-10 CM and PCS codes. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were used to analyze pre-specified outcomes, with the primary outcome being in-patient mortality and secondary outcomes including system-based and procedure-related complications. ResultsOf 108 020 patients hospitalized for conventional pacemaker implantation, 0.71% (765 out of 108 020) had a concurrent diagnosis of COVID-19 infection. Individuals with COVID-19 infection exhibited a lower mean age (73.7 years vs. 75.9 years, p = .027) and a lower female proportion (39.87% vs. 47.60%, p = .062) than those without COVID-19. In the multivariable logistic and linear regression models, adjusted for patient and hospital factors, COVID-19 infection was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (aOR 4.67; 95% CI 2.02 to 10.27, p < .001), extended length of stay (5.23 days vs. 1.04 days, p < .001), and linked with various in-hospital complications, including sepsis, acute respiratory failure, post-procedural pneumothorax, and venous thromboembolism. ConclusionOur study suggests that COVID-19 infection is attributed to higher in-hospital mortality, extended hospital stays, and increased adverse in-hospital outcomes in patients undergoing conventional pacemaker implantation.