Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Isolation and Functional Characterization of Human Ventricular Cardiomyocytes from Fresh Surgical Samples
14:39

Isolation and Functional Characterization of Human Ventricular Cardiomyocytes from Fresh Surgical Samples

Published on: April 21, 2014

Prognostic features of children with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

H B Wiles1, P D McArthur, A B Taylor

  • 1South Carolina Children's Heart Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425.

The American Journal of Cardiology
|November 15, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) in children has unpredictable outcomes. Key presenting features like age or heart failure do not consistently predict long-term results for pediatric IDC patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Clinical Pediatrics

Background:

  • Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) is a significant cause of heart failure in children.
  • Understanding prognostic factors is crucial for managing pediatric IDC.
  • Long-term outcomes and predictors of disease progression in pediatric IDC remain incompletely defined.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the presenting features and long-term outcomes of children diagnosed with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.
  • To identify clinical factors that may predict the final outcome in pediatric IDC patients.
  • To inform appropriate management strategies for children with IDC.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 39 children diagnosed with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.
  • Categorization of patients into four outcome groups: death, improvement, resolution, or transplant.
  • Analysis of presenting clinical features, electrocardiogram findings (left ventricular hypertrophy, rhythm disturbance), and age at presentation for correlation with outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Presenting features such as age, sex, congestive heart failure, cardiomegaly, and ventricular dysfunction did not predict outcome.
  • Left ventricular hypertrophy on ECG was associated with improvement (p = 0.002).
  • Rhythm disturbances were more frequent in patients who died (p = 0.025).
  • 33% of medically treated patients died, 42% improved, and 25% resolved.
  • Survival rates were higher for patients presenting at age ≤2 years (69%) compared to those >2 years (60%).

Conclusions:

  • No single clinical feature, including age at presentation, consistently predicts the ultimate outcome in children with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.
  • Electrocardiographic findings like left ventricular hypertrophy and rhythm disturbances may offer some prognostic insights.
  • The unpredictable nature of pediatric IDC necessitates careful monitoring and individualized management approaches.

More Related Videos

A Doxorubicin-Induced Murine Model of Dilated Cardiomyopathy In Vivo05:14

A Doxorubicin-Induced Murine Model of Dilated Cardiomyopathy In Vivo

Published on: May 16, 2020

Investigating the Pathogenesis of MYH7 Mutation Gly823Glu in Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy using a Mouse Model03:45

Investigating the Pathogenesis of MYH7 Mutation Gly823Glu in Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy using a Mouse Model

Published on: August 8, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification01:25

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification

Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...