Impact of cardiac pacemakers on the HRQoL in Chinese children: A study based on specific questions of each domain of the HRQoL

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Background</h3> Pediatric pacemaker implantation is the only effective treatment for conduction system diseases. However, little is known about the impact of pacemaker implantation on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Chinese children. <h3>Objective</h3> To investigate the impact of pacemakers on the HRQoL in Chinese children. <h3>Methods</h3> A total of 134 children who underwent pacemaker implantation were included. The Quality of Life Inventory in Children with Pacemaker (QLICP) was administered to participants and their parents. General and clinical data were collected, and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25.0. <h3>Results</h3> ① 89.5% of pediatrics reported a Medium-to-high and High HRQoL level, 9.7% reported a Medium-to-low level, 0.8% reported a Low level; ② Among subscales of the QLICP, the median scores in descending order were: physical functioning 80.0 (IQR 68.3–90.0), social functioning 82.1 (IQR 67.9–96.4), school functioning 87.5 (IQR 68.8–100.0), psychological functioning 67.9 (IQR 53.6–85.7). The psychological subscale score was significantly lower than that of the other dimensions (<i>P</i> < 0.001); ③ The primary concerns involved pacemaker malfunctions due to limb collisions or exposure to magnetic fields, as well as concerns about the adverse impact on future work and daily life; ④ No significant correlation was found between the HRQoL in children with pacemakers and general characteristics such as sex, age, age at implantation, implantation approach or follow-up duration (<i>P</i> > 0.05). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Most pediatric patients with cardiac pacemakers in China achieved favorable HRQoL, demonstrating reasonable physical, social, and school functioning.