Dilated cardiomyopathy in 13 children resulted in 5 deaths, 4 stable conditions, and 4 improvements over a mean follow-up of 41 months, with rhythm disturbances occurring in 23%.
Observational (n=13)
Childhood dilated cardiomyopathy carries a significant risk of mortality, arrhythmias, and thrombosis, with a highly variable long-term clinical course.
Clinical profile and course of 13 infants and children (median age 2 years, range 2 months to 17 years) with dilated cardiomyopathy are presented. Endocardial fibroelastosis and myocarditis were excluded by transvascular endomyocardial biopsy. Elevated cardio-thoracic ratio (mean 0.67), depressed fractional shortening (mean 13%) and cardiac index (mean 2.52 l min-1 m-2) were the indicators of congestive heart failure. During a mean follow-up of 41 months (range 6 to 204 months) five patients died, four remained in a stable condition, four improved. The main complications were rhythm disturbances (23%) and thrombus formation (15%). We could not identify any predictors of survival.
Schmaltz et al. (Sun,) conducted a observational in Dilated cardiomyopathy (n=13). Dilated cardiomyopathy in 13 children resulted in 5 deaths, 4 stable conditions, and 4 improvements over a mean follow-up of 41 months, with rhythm disturbances occurring in 23%.