The psychological impact of permanent cardiac pacemakers on pediatric patients and their parents: A case control study

BACKGROUND: This study assessed anxiety and depression in children with permanent pacemakers (PPM) and quality of life of their parents. METHODS: Ninety children (63.3% males and 36.6% females) and their parents were included in the study and were divided into three groups. The control group (Group 1) included 30 normal healthy children (57% males and 43% females), the PPM group (Group 2) included 30 age-matched children (70% males and 30% females) with PPM and structurally normal heart, while the Group 3 included 30 children (63% males and 37% females) with PPM and congenital heart disease (PPM + CHD). Psychological assessment of children and their parents was carried out using an interview-based questionnaires. RESULTS: Psychiatric disorders were more prevalent in PPM + CHD group including depression (P = 0.04), anxiety (P = 0.02) and lower parents’ QoL (P = 0.01). The PPM group had higher depression and lower parents’ QoL than the control group. Family income was independent factor for depression (r2 = −6.3, with P < 0.05). Sex of the child and CCU admission were independent factors for anxiety (r2 = −9.5, P < 0.05 & r2 = 10.5, P = 0.001) in PPM group. CONCLUSION: Children with pacemakers have higher psychiatric disorders and their parents have lower QoL.