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The changing aetiological spectrum of pericarditis in children
H Ercan Tutar1, Erdal Yilmaz, Semra Atalay
1Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Ankara University Medical School, Turkey.
Insights
This study assessed children with pericarditis, finding uremic pericarditis most common, followed by infections. Purulent pericarditis was less frequent than in developing countries.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Pericarditis in children is a significant clinical concern.
- Understanding the diverse etiologies is crucial for effective management.
- Previous data from developing countries suggested higher rates of purulent pericarditis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively analyze the causes, clinical presentations, and outcomes of childhood pericarditis.
- To identify the most prevalent etiologies in a university hospital setting.
- To compare the incidence of purulent pericarditis with prior reports.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective assessment of 62 children diagnosed with pericarditis.
- Data collection over a 6-year period at a university hospital.
- Analysis of etiological factors, clinical features, and follow-up data.
Main Results:
- Uremic pericarditis was the most frequent cause (etiology).
- Infectious causes were the second most common etiology.
- Purulent pericarditis occurred less frequently than reported in developing nations.
- Other significant causes included Familial Mediterranean fever, neoplasias, acute rheumatic fever, and post-pericardiotomy syndrome.
Conclusions:
- Uremic and infectious pericarditis are leading causes in this pediatric cohort.
- The lower incidence of purulent pericarditis may reflect regional differences or improved healthcare.
- A broad spectrum of underlying conditions can lead to pericarditis in children.
Abstract:
The aetiologies, clinical features and follow-up data of 62 children with pericarditis admitted to a university hospital during a 6-year period were retrospectively assessed. Uraemic pericarditis was the most frequent and infections the second most frequent cause. In this series, the proportion of children with purulent pericarditis is less than in previous reports from developing countries. Familial Mediterranean fever, neoplasias, acute rheumatic fever and post-pericardiotomy syndrome were other important causes of pericarditis.