Prevention of sudden cardiac death: rationale and design of the Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators in Dialysis patients (ICD2) Trial - a prospective pilot study

Objective: Sudden cardiac (arrhythmic) death (SCD) is the single largest cause of death in dialysis patients. Prophylactic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) therapy reduces SCD and reduces all-cause mortality in several groups of patients at high risk for arrhythmic death. Whether this also applies to dialysis patients is unknown. Research design and methods: The Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator in Dialysis patients (ICD2) trial is a prospective randomised controlled study. It has been designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of prophylactic ICD therapy in reducing sudden cardiac death rates in dialysis patients aged 55-80 years. A total of 200 patients will be included. The primary endpoint of the study is sudden cardiac (arrhythmic) death. The mean follow-up time will be 4 years. Trial registration: 'The Netherlands Trial Register' ISRCTN20479861 Conclusion: The ICD2 trial - a pilot study - will be the first study to evaluate the possible benefit of ICD therapy for the primary prevention of sudden cardiac death in dialysis patients.