What risk factors were identified for infection in pediatric patients with pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs)?
In a review of pediatric pacemaker infections, Cohen et al90 analyzed 385 pacemaker procedures over a 20-year period and identified 30 infections (7.8%). Of these infections, 19 (4.9%) were superficial and were treated successfully with antibiotics only, whereas 9 (2.3%) were deep pocket infections that required removal of the generator and leads. By multivariable analysis, the only risk factors for infection were the presence of Down syndrome and reintervention for revision of the pacing system.