Abstract 16242: Symptomatic Bradycardia in the Elderly: Compliance With ACLS Guidelines and in-Hospital Outcome

Objective: to assess if compliance with ACLS Guidelines for the Management of Bradycardia (ACLS-GMB) in a cohort of elderly patients admitted to coronary care unit (CCU) with diagnosis of symptomatic bradycardia (SB) is associated with lower in-hospital mortality and complications. Methods: in this retrospective cohort study, we included all consecutive patients >65 years with diagnosis of SB admitted to CCU between 2001 and 2007 in a University Hospital. Patient's records were reviewed. Those with acute coronary syndromes or permanent-pacemaker failure were excluded. Based on the presence of ACLS-GMB indications for temporary pacing (TP) and the treatment indicated by treating physician, patients (P) were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (ACLS compliant): P treated as indicated by ACLS-GMB; and Group 2: P not treated as indicated by ACLS-GMB (includes TP sub-utilization and over-utilization). The incidence of the composite endpoint of in-hospital death and complications (AMI, stroke, resuscitated arrest, a...