[Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in the Treatment of Heart Failure in Children]
Insights
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) shows promise for pediatric heart failure, particularly in cases of complete atrioventricular block with dyssynchrony. However, dilated cardiomyopathy and advanced heart failure predict poor outcomes, necessitating careful patient selection for effective CRT in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Heart Failure Management
Context:
- Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a key treatment for adult heart failure.
- Limited data and unclear indications exist for pediatric CRT.
- Pediatric CRT implantation presents unique anatomical and physiological challenges.
Purpose:
- To review the pathophysiology of electromechanical dyssynchrony in children.
- To analyze clinical experience with pediatric CRT.
- To propose evidence-based indications for pediatric CRT.
Summary:
- CRT is most effective in children with heart failure due to right ventricular pacing-induced dyssynchrony and complete atrioventricular block.
- Dilated cardiomyopathy and advanced heart failure (NYHA class III-IV) are associated with poor CRT response.
- Epicardial biventricular pacing is recommended for pediatric CRT due to anticipated long-term treatment duration.
Impact:
- Clarifies optimal patient selection for pediatric CRT, improving treatment efficacy.
- Highlights challenges in pediatric CRT device implantation.
- Provides guidance for future research and clinical practice in pediatric heart failure management.
Abstract:
Cardiac resynchronizing therapy (CRT) is currently a leading approach to the treatment of heart failure in adults. However, data regarding application of CRT in children remain limited and indications for CRT are unclear. There is evidence that the best treatment outcomes result from the administration of CRT to the group of children whose heart failure is caused by dyssynchrony mediated by traditional stimulation of the right ventricle in patient with complete atrioventricular block. On the contrary, the presence of dilated cardiomyopathy and functional class III-IV heart failure are the predictors of ineffective CRT. Implantation of CRT devices in children has many peculiarities and challenges associated with anatomic and physiological characteristics of childhood age. Taking into consideration the expected length of treatment, one should admit that epicardial biventricular stimulation should be preferred. In the present paper the authors discuss pathophysiology of the electromechanical dyssynchrony, analyze their own experience with CRT, and suggest indications for this kind of treatment.
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