RT Journal
A1 Brownlee JR, Serwer GA, Dick M, II, Bauld T, Rosenthal A
T1 FAilure of electrocardiographic monitoring to detect cardiac arrest in patients with pacemakers
JF American Journal of Diseases of Children
JO American Journal of Diseases of Children
YR 1989
FD January 1
VO 143
IS 1
SP 105
OP 107
DO 10.1001/archpedi.1989.02150130115028
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archpedi.1989.02150130115028
AB • Two children with cardiac pacemakers are described who experienced cardiorespiratory arrest not detected by the electrocardiographic (ECG) monitor. The pacemaker stimuli were interpreted by the monitor as a QRS complex with inhibition of the heart rate alarm, demonstrating the need for reliable non-ECG monitoring in patients with pacemakers. A review of all deaths in children with pacemakers in the last ten years also shows the high association of respiratory failure in patients with congenital heart disease and a pacemaker, underscoring this need. Various non-ECG monitoring modalities are discussed. Finally, analysis of the ECG monitor characteristics contributing to inappropriate sensing of the pacemaker stimulus was performed, showing the direct relation between the pacemaker stimulus amplitude seen by the monitor and the monitor sensitivity with inappropriate sensing, and the inverse relation between the monitor bandwidth and inappropriate sensing. Recommendations for monitor adjustment when monitoring patients with pacemakers are provided.(AJDC 1989;143:105-107)