Introduction:
Several studies have shown inconsistent relationship between post-implantation hematoma (PH) and cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection. In this study, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the effect of PH and the risk of CIED infection.
Hypothesis:
PH increases the risk of CIED infection.
Methods:
We searched the databases of MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception to March 2020. Included studies were cohort studies, case-control studies, cross-sectional studies and randomized controlled trials that reported incidence of PH and CIED infection during the follow-up period. CIED infection was defined as either a device-related local or systemic infection. Data from each study were combined using the random-effects, generic inverse variance method of Der Simonian and Laird to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Results:
Fourteen studies from 2006 to 2018 were included, involving a total of 28,319 participants. There were 6 cohort studies, 7 case-control studies and 1 randomized controlled trial. In random-effect model, we found that PH significantly increases the risk of overall CIED infection (OR = 6.30, 95%CI: 3.87-10.24, I2=49.3%) (Figure 1). There was no publication bias observed in the funnel plot as well as no small-study effect observed in Egger’s test.
Conclusions:
Our meta-analysis demonstrated that PH significantly increases the risk of CIED infection. Precaution should be taken to during device implantation to reduce PH and subsequent CIED infection.