Programmed Electrical Stimulation of Little Use in Brugada Work-Up

The induction of ventricular fibrillation is not prognostic in patients with Brugada syndrome.

Risk stratification of patients with Brugada syndrome is critical in determining how best to reduce the risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD). Based on findings from early retrospective studies, many experts promote the use of programmed electrical stimulation to test for inducible ventricular fibrillation (VF) as an indication for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). However, other studies have not replicated these results.

In an industry-supported study of data from a prospective Italian registry including 308 adults with Brugada syndrome, all patients underwent programmed stimulation, and VF was induced in 41%. During a mean follow-up of 34 months, 14 patients experienced cardiac arrest. Independent predictors of cardiac arrest …

Reviewing Author

Mark S. Link, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsCirculation; UpToDate

Mark S. Link, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsCirculation; UpToDate