Worsening tricuspid regurgitation associated with permanent pacemaker and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of more than 66,000 subjects

BACKGROUND Worsening tricuspid regurgitation (TR) after either permanent pacemaker (PPM) or implantable cardioverterdefibrillator (ICD) implantation is an emerging clinical challenge. Early recognition of this entity is essential in guiding treatment. OBJECTIVE This meta-analysis was designed to identify the overall incidence and patient-specific predictors of TR post-device implantation. METHODS We searched electronic databases from inception to January 2023 for published studies that reported the incidence of TR worsening post-device implantation. The log odds ratio (OR) was used to summarize group differences. RESULTS Our analysis included 29 studies with 66,590 participants. Patients who underwent device implantation (n = 1008) were significantly more likely to develop worsening TR than controls who did not undergo device implantation (n = 58,605) (OR 3.18; P < .01). In a total of 7777 patients, the pooled incidence of at least 1-grade worsening of TR post-device implantation was 24%. Worsening TR post-device implantation significantly increases mortality (hazard ratio 1.42; P = .02). Larger right atrial area (OR 1.11; P < .01) is significantly associated with an increased risk of worsening TR post-device implantation, while male patients are less likely to develop this complication than female patients (OR 0.74; P < .01). Importantly, there is no statistically significant difference between the type of implanted device (ICD vs PPM) and post-device implantation TR. Further, right ventricular dysfunction, pulmonary artery pressure, baseline mitral regurgitation, left ventricular ejection fraction, baseline atrial fibrillation, and age have no association with worsening TR post-device implantation. CONCLUSION A substantial number of patients undergoing PPM or ICD implantation are at an increased risk of worsening TR. Importantly, in this largest review to date incorporating more than 66,000 subjects, worsening TR significantly increases mortality by greater than 140%, accordingly deserving more recognition and clinical attention in the current era.

Automated summary

Worsening tricuspid regurgitation (TR) after permanent pacemaker (PPM) or implantable cardioverterdefibrillator (ICD) implantation is a clinical challenge. This meta-analysis found that the overall incidence of TR worsening post-device implantation was 24%, and this worsening significantly increased mortality. Larger right atrial area and female patients were identified as risk factors for TR worsening.