Development and Validation of a Multivariable Risk Prediction Model for Sudden Cardiac Death after Myocardial Infarction (PROFID Risk Model): Study Rationale, Design and Protocol

Abstract Introduction Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading cause of death in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and can be prevented by the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Currently, risk stratification for SCD and decision on ICD implantation are based solely on impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). However, this strategy leads to over- and under-treatment of patients because LVEF alone is insufficient for accurate assessment of prognosis. Thus, there is a need for better risk stratification. This is the study protocol for developing and validating a prediction model for risk of SCD in patients with prior MI. Methods and Analysis The EU funded PROFID project will analyse 23 datasets from Europe, Israel and the US (∼225,000 observations). The datasets include patients with prior MI or ischemic cardiomyopathy with reduced LVEF Ethics and dissemination Local ethical approval was obtained. The final model will be disseminated through scientific publications and a web-calculator. Statistical code will be published through open-source repositories.