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Dilated cardiomyopathy in Indian children
Shyam S Kothari1, Rajesh A Dhopeshwarkar, Anita Saxena
1Cardiothoracic Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi. kothariss@vsnl.com
Indian Heart Journal
|August 19, 2003
Summary
Dilated cardiomyopathy in Indian children has a high infant mortality rate but improves in many diagnosed later. Further research into prognostic factors is needed.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in children presents a significant clinical challenge.
- Understanding its course and prognosis in diverse populations is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the clinical course and prognosis of dilated cardiomyopathy in Indian children.
- To identify factors influencing outcomes in pediatric DCM.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 82 children (under 12 years) with DCM.
- Analysis of clinical data, laboratory results, and serial echocardiograms.
- Mean follow-up of 25.09 months.
Main Results:
- Overall mortality was 11.5%; infants had a 25% mortality rate.
- Actuarial survival reached 87% at 5 years for those diagnosed after infancy.
- 59% of patients showed improvement on serial echocardiograms; poor prognostic factors included age <1 year and specific echocardiographic ratios.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric dilated cardiomyopathy follows a varied clinical course, with high mortality in infants.
- A significant proportion of children diagnosed beyond infancy experience improvement or recovery.
- Further investigation into prognostic variables is essential for better management.