Trends in Acute Myocarditis Related Pediatric Hospitalizations in the United States, 2007-2016

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Cardiovascular Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Limited research exists on trends in acute myocarditis among children.
• Advancements in pediatric cardiac care have occurred over the last decade.
• Understanding pediatric acute myocarditis hospitalization trends is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore trends in pediatric hospitalizations for acute myocarditis in the US.
• To examine patient demographics and incidence trends of pediatric acute myocarditis.
• To investigate clinical and resource utilization outcomes associated with pediatric acute myocarditis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, serial cross-sectional study utilizing the National Inpatient Sample database (2007-2016).
• Identification of pediatric patients (≤18 years) hospitalized with acute myocarditis.
• Analysis of patient demographics, incidence, mortality, hospitalization costs, and length of stay.

Main Results:

• The incidence of pediatric acute myocarditis increased from 0.7 to 0.9 per 100,000 children (p <0.0001).
• In-hospital mortality for pediatric acute myocarditis decreased from 7.5% to 6.1% (p=0.02).
• Median hospitalization costs increased by $4,574 (inflation-adjusted, p=0.02), while length of stay remained stable (6.1 days).

Conclusions:

• Pediatric acute myocarditis incidence has risen in the US (2007-2016), accompanied by a decrease in in-hospital mortality.
• Hospitalization costs for pediatric acute myocarditis have significantly increased, despite a stable length of stay.
• Further research on long-term outcomes of pediatric acute myocarditis is warranted.