Abstract 18861: Effects of Class III Antiarrhythmics on ICD Therapies and Clinical Outcomes: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Introduction: Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) prolong survival in patients with heart failure, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF <= 35%) and/or sustained ventricular arrhythmias (VA) by terminating VA with either anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) or shock. However, ICD therapies are associated with significant pain, psychological distress, and increased risk for hospitalization and mortality. Antiarrhythmic drugs are commonly used to reduce frequency of VA in patients with ICD. We attempt to study the effects of class III antiarrhythmics on the frequency of ICD therapies, hospitalization and mortality. Methods: PubMed database was queried to identify prospective randomized controlled trials comparing class III antiarrhytmics to placebo on a standard background medical therapy in patients with an ICD and prior history of sustained VA (spontaneous/ treated/ induced) and/or sudden cardiac death. Information on appropriate ICD therapy, hospitalization and mortality was extracted. Fixe...