clinical characteristics, background illnesses and in-hospital mortality rates of patients who

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine theclinical characteristics, comorbidities, responsible diseasesand in-hospital mortality of patients who received atemporary pacemakerMethods: Our study included 545 patients who received atemporary pacemaker due to various causes during theirhospitalization between January 2008 and May 2012.Results: Of the 545 patients whose records werescanned retrospectively in our study, 235 (43%) were femaleand 310 (57%) were male. Average age of patientswas 70±14.2 years (20,100). Leading cause for receivingpacemaker was third degree atrioventricular block (178patients, 32.6%).Other causes were bradycardia or asystoleduring procedures such as coronary angiography,catheterization etc. (101 patients, 18.5%), symptomaticsinus bradycardia (70 patients, 12.8%), pacemaker endof life (During procedure, 65 patients, 11.9%). Temporarypacemaker implantation due to drugs, hyperpotasemiaand both was 6.2% (34 patients), 3.6% (20 patients) and1.1% (6 patients) respectively. Eight patients used drugsfor committing suicide. While the top responsible drugsfor pacemaker implantation were digoxin, beta blockersand calcium channel blockers, only one patient was usinga noncardiac drug (oxcarbamazepin). Half of the patientshad coronary artery disease (276 patients, 51%). 101 patients(18.5%) received a temporary pacemaker due toblock in the course of myocardial infarction. 85 patientsdied during their hospitalization (15.5%).Conclusıon: Although causes for temporary pacemakerimplantation has changed over time, myocardial infarctionwith block still remains fatal even a temporary pacemakeris inserted. J Clin Exp Invest 2013; 4 (2): 180-183Key words: Temporary cardiac pacemaker, mortality,acute myocardial infarction, atrioventricular conductionblock.