Introduction: This study investigated the influences of gender and age on defibrillator lead failure and mortality.
Methods: Gender and age were analyzed with respect to lead failure and mortality in a retrospective single center study. Subjects included all Winthrop University Hospital patients that underwent defibrillator lead implantation between 1996 and 2011. Statistical analyses included Fisher’s Exact Test, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and multivariable Cox regression models.
Results: The study included 3802 patients (2812 men/990 women). Leads implanted in women failed more quickly than in men ages 45 to 54 (p=0.0341). Multivariable Cox regression models confirmed male gender as an independent protective factor of lead failures between the ages of 45 and 54 [HR=0.37(0.14, 0.96), p=0.042]. Lead survival time for these women was 13.4(SE=0.6) years versus 14.7(SE=0.3) years in men. No differences in mortality were found.
Conclusions: This study is the first to compare lead failure and mortality in relation to gender and age at a large implanting center. This study emphasizes the complex interplay between gender and age with respect to lead failure and mortality and the need for future research.