“There are days I wish it wasn’t there, and there’s days I realize I’m lucky”: A qualitative study of psychological sequelae to the implantable cardioverter defibrillator as a treatment for the prevention of sudden cardiac death in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Objectives Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy caused by a TMEM43 p.S358L mutation is a fully penetrant autosomal dominant cause of sudden cardiac death where prophylactic implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy significantly reduces mortality by returning lethal cardiac rhythms to normal. This qualitative study assessed the psychological ramifications of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator on recipients, their spouses and their mutation negative siblings. Design Qualitative interview study. Participants Twenty-one individuals (nine mutation positive, eight mutation negative and four spouses) from 15 families completed semi-structured interviews. Results No theoretical assumptions about the data were made: inductive sub-coding was accomplished with the constant comparison method and cohesive themes across all respondent interviews were determined. All interviewees had a family history of sudden cardiac death and appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy in themselves or family members. Average length of time with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator was 10 years. Major themes included: (1) acceptance and gratitude, (2) grudging acceptance, (3) psychological effects (on emotional and psychological well-being; functioning of the broader family unit; and relationships), and (4) practical concerns (on clothes, travel, loss of driving licence and the effects of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator discharge). These affected all family members, regardless of mutation status. Conclusions Despite the survival advantage of implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy, the intervention carries psychological and practical burdens for family members from kindreds manifesting p.S358L TMEM43 ARVC that does not appear to dissipate with time. A move towards integrating psychology services with the cardiac genetics clinic for the extended family may provide benefit.

Psychological Distress and Quality of Life in Participants Undergoing Genetic Testing for Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy Caused by <b><i>TMEM43</i></b> p.S358L: Is It Time to Offer Population-Based Genetic Screening?

“…It is likely that being identified as a carrier of TMEM43 p.S358L could affect QOL based on the previous research which highlights several areas of concern including employment restrictions, large financial burdens, and insurability post-genetic testing [30]. Furthermore, those screening positive for the TMEM43 p.S358L variant would have to choose whether to have placement of an ICD, which, although demonstrably lifesaving [5], is also known to impact psychological and physical well-being [31,32]. Young ICD patients with genetic forms of heart disease (including ARVC) have reported increased levels of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress, and show decreased scores on QOL measures in the short-term [33][34][35].…”