Dual- vs Single-Chamber Ventricular Pacing in Isolated Congenital Complete Atrioventricular Block in Infancy

The optimal pacemaker programming strategy for infants with isolated congenital complete atrioventricular block (CCAVB) remains unresolved. Dual-chamber pacing maintains atrioventricular synchrony and physiological heart rate variability but increases the burden of ventricular pacing on a myocardium that may be inherently prone to left ventricular (LV) dysfunction.

This study sought to compare clinical outcomes of dual (DDD)- vs single (VVI)- chamber pacing in infants with CCAVB (DAVINCHI).

A multicenter retrospective study (2006-2023) identified infants with CCAVB and pacemaker implant at <1 year, with single-site ventricular pacing and no significant congenital heart disease. Outcome measured were clinically significant LV dysfunction, mortality, and complications.

A total of 109 infants (64% autoimmune CCAVB) were identified, 60.6% had VVI pacing. Over a median follow-up of 5 years, 60 complications occurred in 47 subjects (43.1%). Smaller infants had more complications. Clinically significant LV dysfunction developed in 11 (10.1%) and was more frequent in DDD (21% vs 3%; P = 0.006). LV dysfunction resulted in mortality in 1 patient and 10 patients required a change in pacing mode. Independent risk factors for LV dysfunction were DDD pacing and neonatal implant. Right ventricular pacing lead placement had a higher HR (HR: 2.67) for LV dysfunction but was not statistically significant (P = 0.20).

DDD pacing increases LV dysfunction risk compared with VVI in infants with CCAVB. Single-chamber LV apical pacing should be considered in infants with isolated CCAVB who require pacing. There is a high risk of pacing-related complications, particularly with an increased risk of ventricular lead complications in low-weight neonates.