Combined resynchronization therapy and automatic defibrillator in advanced non-ischaemic heart failure: The importance of QRS width

Abstract

Aims The combined use of an automatic defibrillator in resynchronization therapy for primary prevention in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy is controversial.Methods and resultsWe assessed a series of 46 patients (61 ± 10 years, 64 male) with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy undergoing resynchronization therapy combined with a defibrillator in primary prevention and the potential relationship between baseline characteristics and the onset of ventricular arrhythmic events. Of the 46 patients included, eight (17%) presented episodes of ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation during follow-up (19 ± 12 months). There were no baseline differences among these patients, except the proportion of males (57.9 vs. 100%, P = 0.02) and QRS width (162 ± 24 vs. 189 ± 26 ms, P = 0.008), which was the only independent predictor of arrhythmic events (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.12-1.68; P = 0.03).ConclusionIn patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy undergoing resynchronization therapy combined with a defibrillator, baseline QRS is an independent predictor of arrhythmic events.