Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 6, 2026
A Doxorubicin-Induced Murine Model of Dilated Cardiomyopathy In Vivo
Published on: May 16, 2020
Dilated cardiomyopathy in children: moving beyond traditional pharmacologic therapy
Jordan A Cohen1, Melvin C Almodovar
1Division of Pediatric Cardiology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.
Insights
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in children is a serious heart condition with poor outcomes. Novel medical and surgical strategies offer new hope, potentially reducing the need for heart transplants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Myocardial Disorders
Background:
- Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a rare pediatric heart condition characterized by left ventricular dilation and systolic dysfunction.
- It affects approximately 1 in 100,000 children globally, with a poor prognosis and high rates of medical therapy failure or need for heart transplantation within two years.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the fundamental causes, epidemiology, pathobiology, and historical treatments of pediatric DCM.
- To introduce contemporary medical and surgical strategies aimed at improving outcomes and reducing the need for heart transplantation.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on pediatric dilated cardiomyopathy.
- Analysis of novel medical and procedural therapies for DCM management.
Main Results:
- Significant advancements in treatment strategies over the past 15 years.
- Emergence of new therapies to bridge pediatric patients to transplant or serve as definitive treatments.
- Novel pacing and mechanical assist devices offer improved clinical stability and potential as standalone endpoints.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric DCM management has evolved beyond traditional therapies.
- Contemporary and novel interventions provide critical options for children with severe left ventricular dysfunction.
- These advanced strategies hold promise for improving the long-term outlook for pediatric DCM patients.
Purpose Of Review:
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a rare myocardial disorder characterized by a dilated left ventricle and systolic dysfunction. Globally, it affects around 1 in every 100 000 children. The prognosis is generally poor, with 40% either failing traditional medical therapy within the first 2 years or requiring a heart transplant. This article will address the basic cause, epidemiology, pathobiology, and historical treatment approach of DCM and introduce novel contemporary medical and surgical strategies that may reduce the need for heart transplantation.
Recent Findings:
In the last 15 years, there has been a significant emphasis on identifying alternative treatment strategies in managing the child with a DCM and heart failure symptoms. New therapies have evolved to help bridge these critically ill children to transplant or have these therapeutic modalities serve as end-points in themselves. Thus subsequently, we will highlight contemporary as well as novel medical and procedural therapies that are being used for the treatment of pediatric DCM.
Summary:
The child with a DCM and severe left ventricular dysfunction has a number of options available beyond simple diuretics and afterload reduction. Novel pacing strategies and mechanical assist device may provide not only a more stable clinical bridge environment but also may actually serve as an endpoint itself.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
01:30Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
01:29Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
01:25Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification
01:29Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
01:26Heart Failure Drugs: Inotropic Agents