Prevalence and Pattern of Brugada Syndrome: A Five-Year Cohort Registry of 4000 Patients

Abstract

Background: Patients with Brugada syndrome and a history of sudden cardiac death are at an increased risk for arrhythmias, necessitating the potential use of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Diagnostic procedures involve identifying a specific ECG pattern either spontaneously or during a sodium channel blocker test. Methods: This cohort study examined patients' ' records from 2015 through 2020 in Shiraz. A random sample of 4000 individuals was selected, and their clinical records were assessed. After registering participants' s' baseline information, including age, sex, family history, and disease status, ECGs were taken to investigate Brugada syndrome. ECG findings were then reviewed by cardiologists. Results: Among the 4000 participants, 16 had suspicious ECG findings or a family history of sudden death. Of these, 12 patients exhibited Brugada patterns (types 2 and 3), while 4 were diagnosed with Brugada syndrome (type 1). During the 5-year follow-up period, none of the patients experienced any adverse events. Patients diagnosed with Brugada syndrome were predominantly between 18 and 49 years old. Conclusions: The prevalence of Brugada patterns and syndrome in Iran was found to be similar to the global average and lower than in Southeast Asia. Additionally, the syndrome's ' s prevalence was significantly higher in men than in women. The highest prevalence was observed in individuals aged 18 to 49 years, indicating a trend toward earlier disease manifestation. No echocardiographic findings specific to Brugada syndrome were identified in this study, and the patients had a favorable 5-year prognosis. (Iranian Heart Journal 2024; 25(4): 22-30)