Patients with early systemic or delayed localised infections after cardiac implantable electronic device procedures have a threefold higher risk of death within a year compared to those without infection, cardiologists report.

Results from their prospective observational cohort study also point to a ninefold greater risk of death with delayed systemic infections, while early localised infections carried no mortality risk.

“Findings suggest that early detection and treatment of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED)-related infections may be important in reducing associated mortality,” the Canadian and Dutch researchers concluded.

Using data from nearly 20,000 adults (mean age 69) who underwent CIED procedures from 2012-16, the authors explored the association between the extent and timing of CIED-related infection with all-cause mortality.