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The indications for cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) have markedly expanded, prompting an accelerated rate of implantation in the U.S. The incidence of CIED infections has also increased — even faster than the rate of implantation. Investigators used the National Hospital Discharge Survey database to examine recent trends in CIED infection.
Between 2004 and 2006, the number of CIED implantations rose by 12%, and the number of hospitalizations for CIED infection rose by 57%. When CIED recipients with and without infections were compared, the infected group had a lower proportion of males (66% vs. 74%; P=0.008), a longer mean hospital stay (11 vs. 4 days; P<0.001), and a higher in-hospital mortality rate (5% vs. 1%; P<0.00…