Advances in understanding the immunologic cascade and the use of mechanical support as a bridge to transplant or recovery have improved morbidity and mortality outcomes in pediatric viral myocarditis.
Early targeted treatment and mechanical support improve outcomes in pediatric viral myocarditis.
Acute myocarditis is characterized by the rapid development of life-threatening congestive heart failure and arrhythmias. Although the initial stages of this disorder apparently result from direct cytopathic effects on the atrial and ventricular myocardium, later stages of progressive decompensation may result from immune-mediated myocyte destruction. There has been recent improvement in understanding the role of this immunologic cascade. As a result, treatment now begins earlier in the course of the disease and can target both the virus and the immune response. Our ability to implement mechanical support in children as a bridge to transplant or recovery, even in children presenting in the final stages of their disease, has led to an improved outcome regarding morbidity and mortality.
Levi et al. (Thu,) conducted a review in Pediatric viral myocarditis. Early targeted treatment and mechanical support was evaluated. Advances in understanding the immunologic cascade and the use of mechanical support as a bridge to transplant or recovery have improved morbidity and mortality outcomes in pediatric viral myocarditis.