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Mitral valve prolapse: a study of 45 children
D P Van Der Ham1, J K De Vries, P-L Van Der Merwe
1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, and Tygerberg Children's Hospital, Tygerberg, South Africa.
Summary
Mitral valve prolapse in children differs from adults, with most young patients being asymptomatic. This study highlights distinct symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath in pediatric mitral valve prolapse cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Cardiac Diagnostics
Background:
- Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) knowledge is primarily adult-based.
- Pediatric MVP clinical profiles require distinct characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- Compare the clinical profile of MVP in children (up to 13 years) with adult data.
- Identify common symptoms and demographic differences in pediatric MVP.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 45 children with echocardiographic-proven MVP.
- Comparison of clinical presentation, demographics, and associated conditions.
Main Results:
- Most children with MVP were asymptomatic; murmurs were incidentally found in many.
- Pediatric symptoms (shortness of breath, fatigue) differed from adult MVP (chest pain, palpitations).
- Girls had lower weight and BMI; boys had lower pulse rates compared to each other.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric MVP is often asymptomatic and presents differently than in adults.
- MVP is a notable finding in children under 13.
- Infective endocarditis prophylaxis is recommended for pediatric patients with mitral regurgitation.