Do implantable loop recorders impact the survival of patients with recurrent unexplained syncope?

This study compares the outcomes of patients who receive an implantable loop recorder (ILR) for unexplained syncope to a control group without the diagnostic device in German claims data. Patients with ILR were matched to a control group based on prior syncope events, age, gender and Charlson Comorbidity index (CCI). Survival, syncope hospitalizations, treatment and costs were compared. Four hundred and twelve ILR patients were matched with controls, mean age was 68, mean CCI was 2.7, 42% females. ILR patients lived on average 1.2 years longer than patients in the control group. Twenty-five percent of ILR patients received a therapeutic device compared with 5% in the control group. ILRs might help to diagnose and treat patients with positive impact on survival.