Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 8, 2026

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease
07:27

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease

Published on: July 18, 2014

Pediatric heart failure and transplantation: where are we in 2013?

Debra A Dodd1

  • 1Monroe Carell Jr Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, USA.

Current Opinion in Pediatrics
|September 3, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Recent advancements in pediatric heart transplantation offer excellent long-term survival, particularly for infants. However, challenges arise from increased referrals due to failed congenital heart surgeries, necessitating earlier transplant evaluations.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Transplantation Medicine

Background:

  • Chronic medical management of pediatric heart failure shows limited progress.
  • Disparities in molecular regulation (e.g., β2-adrenergic receptors, microRNA) exist between pediatric and adult heart failure.
  • Pediatric ventricular assist devices improve bridge-to-transplant survival but are limited for destination therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent publications on pediatric heart failure.
  • To analyze recent developments in pediatric heart transplantation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent publications.
  • Analysis of current trends and challenges in pediatric heart failure and transplantation.

Main Results:

  • Significant developments in pediatric heart transplantation include understanding antibody-mediated graft dysfunction, ABO-incompatible transplants, adjusted pulmonary vascular resistance limits, and outcome prediction.
  • Failed single-ventricle palliation is an increasing reason for pediatric heart transplantation, posing unique challenges.
  • Pediatric heart transplantation demonstrates excellent long-term survival, often exceeding 20 years, especially in infants.

Conclusions:

  • Despite excellent outcomes, a growing number of pediatric patients referred after failed congenital heart surgery, particularly single-ventricle palliation, present new obstacles that may impact survival rates.
  • Earlier referral for transplant evaluation may help mitigate these challenges and maintain favorable outcomes in pediatric heart transplantation.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Porcine Heterotopic Heart Transplantation Protocol for Delivery of Therapeutics to a Cardiac Allograft08:30

A Porcine Heterotopic Heart Transplantation Protocol for Delivery of Therapeutics to a Cardiac Allograft

Published on: February 14, 2022

A Simplified Model for Heterotopic Heart Valve Transplantation in Rodents06:33

A Simplified Model for Heterotopic Heart Valve Transplantation in Rodents

Published on: September 21, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Kidney Transplant I: Introduction01:28

Kidney Transplant I: Introduction

A kidney transplant is a surgical approach that involves replacing a non-functioning kidney with a healthy one from a donor. This procedure is often a treatment option for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The method requires careful recipient selection, including evaluating various medical and psychosocial factors. These criteria vary between transplant centers but generally include assessments of the patient's overall health, adherence to medical recommendations, and lifestyle...
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...
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies01:22

Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies

Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.
Heart Failure V: Medical Management01:30

Heart Failure V: Medical Management

Medical Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)The primary goals of therapy for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) include:Relieving symptomsOptimizing volume statusSupporting oxygenation and ventilationMaintaining cardiac output (CO) and end-organ perfusionIdentifying and addressing the cause of ADHFPreventing complicationsProviding patient education on factors precipitating HF exacerbationPlanning for dischargeOngoing monitoring and assessment...