Incidence and risk factors of pacemaker pocket infection – an observational study

This retrospective, hospital-based observational study was aimed to examine the indications for PPM implantation, risk factors, demographics, and microbiological profiles of PPM infections (PPMI). The study included patients presenting with local inflammatory signs and excluded those under 18 years old. Of the 716 patients who underwent Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device (CIED) implantation, 37.7 % received single-chamber devices and 52.8 % received double-chamber devices. PPMI was identified in 15 patients (2.09 %), with infections more prevalent in devices implanted over 12 months prior. Diabetes (36.11 %) and hypertension (32.56 %) were the most common comorbidities. Culture-negative infections (53.33 %) predominated, followed by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (33.33 %).