Abstract Body (Do not enter title and authors here): Background:
Leadless pacemaker implantation (LPI) is common among patients with sick sinus syndrome (SSS) or atrioventricular block (AVB). Our study explores 30-day readmission rates (30-dr) following LPI for SSS and AVB, comparing outcomes between male and female patients.
Methods:
Using the Nationwide Readmissions Database, we conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent LPI for SSS, and second or third-degree AVB between 2017 and 2021. Our study cohort was stratified by gender. The primary outcome was 30-dr, while secondary outcomes included inpatient mortality, length of stay (LOS), complications, and total hospital charge (THC).
Results:
Among the 17,759 patients meeting the inclusion criteria, 54.1% (n = 9,613) were males and 45.9% (n = 8,146) were females, with a mean age of 76.4 ± 12.6 years. The mean age was 75.5 ± 12.4 years for males and 77.4 ± 12.6 years for females (adjusted Wald test, p < 0.01).
Logistic regression analysis revealed that females had higher odds of readmission (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.06 - 1.39, p < 0.01) compared to males. However, inpatient mortality and LOS did not differ significantly between the two groups (p > 0.05, all). In addition, males had a higher rate of complications leading to hemodialysis and the use of mechanical ventilators (p < 0.05, all), while women had higher complications in pericardial effusions and tamponade (p < 0.05, all). The mean THC was higher in males ($50,589 vs 47,681), compared to females (adjusted Wald test, p = 0.02).
Conclusion:
Our study revealed that female patients have a higher risk for 30-dr after LPI for SSS and AVB,. While the difference between two groups was not significant for inpatient mortality and LOS, the males had higher THC. Moreover, the nature of complications differed between males and females as well. This highlights the need for tailored interventions to minimize readmissions in this patient population.