Research Gaps in Pediatric Heart Failure: Defining the Gaps and Then Closing Them Over the Next Decade

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Cardiovascular Research
• Translational Medicine

Background:

• Pediatric heart failure (PHF) presents significant research opportunities.
• Substantial knowledge gaps impede progress in understanding and treating PHF.
• A coordinated research agenda is crucial for advancing the field.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify critical research gaps in pediatric heart failure.
• To guide future scientific inquiry and funding priorities.
• To establish a 10-year research roadmap for PHF.

Main Methods:

• Convened an international, multidisciplinary panel of pediatric heart failure experts.
• Conducted a consensus-building process to identify research priorities.
• Synthesized expert opinions across various PHF domains.

Main Results:

• Identified specific knowledge gaps across all major pediatric heart failure domains.
• Highlighted areas requiring urgent scientific investigation and funding.
• Established a consensus on the most pressing research needs for the next decade.

Conclusions:

• Addressing identified research gaps is essential for advancing pediatric heart failure care.
• A focused, collaborative research effort is needed to overcome current limitations.
• The outlined priorities will guide future research and funding in PHF.