Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
10:39
Rat Model of Right-Sided Cardiac Remodeling and Arrhythmia Using Pulmonary Artery Banding
Published on: August 30, 2024
Recurrent pericarditis in children: Clinical and therapeutic differences from adults
A Mauro1, R Mascolo2, E Bizzi3
1Pediatric Rheumatology Unit, Department of Childhood and Adolescent Medicine, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy.
International Journal of Cardiology
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Pediatric recurrent pericarditis (RP) shows a stronger inflammatory response but fewer recurrences than adult RP. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) inhibitors were more frequently used in children.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Current recurrent pericarditis (RP) guidelines are primarily derived from adult studies.
- Significant differences in RP presentation and management between pediatric and adult populations are suspected but not well-characterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the clinical features, management, and outcomes of recurrent pericarditis in pediatric versus adult patients.
- To inform guideline development for pediatric recurrent pericarditis.
Main Methods:
- An observational, longitudinal, multicenter cohort study.
- Inclusion of 442 patients with idiopathic or post-pericardiotomy recurrent pericarditis (133 pediatric, 309 adult).
- Comparison of demographic data, clinical presentation, inflammatory markers, treatment strategies, and recurrence rates.
Main Results:
- Pediatric patients presented with more frequent chest pain, fever, and pleural effusion, alongside higher neutrophilia.
- Despite a more intense inflammatory profile, children experienced a more favorable clinical course with lower recurrence rates and longer disease-free intervals.
- Glucocorticoid and colchicine use was more common in adults, while Interleukin-1 (IL-1) inhibitors like anakinra were more frequently prescribed in pediatric patients.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric idiopathic recurrent pericarditis has distinct characteristics compared to adult cases, including a more pronounced inflammatory response but a better prognosis.
- Treatment strategies differ, with a higher utilization of IL-1 inhibitors in the pediatric cohort.
- Further research is needed to optimize management guidelines for pediatric recurrent pericarditis.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...
01:22Pericarditis I: Introduction
Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...
01:17Pericarditis III: Medical Management
The primary objectives of managing pericarditis are to determine the underlying cause, provide effective therapy for treatment and symptom relief, and promptly detect signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade. The following outlines the essential aspects of medical management for pericarditis:ObjectivesDetermine the Cause: Identifying the underlying cause of pericarditis is crucial for targeted treatment. Causes include viral infections, autoimmune diseases, post-cardiac injury syndrome, and...
01:14Myocarditis III: Medical Management
Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
01:27Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
01:25Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management
Pericarditis, an inflammation of the pericardium, necessitates diligent nursing management to ensure effective patient care and recovery. The initial step in managing pericarditis is a comprehensive patient medical assessment.The patient reports chest pain aggravated by breathing, coughing, and swallowing, which worsens when lying supine. The pain often improves when sitting up and leaning forward. Additional symptoms may include fever, malaise, and, in severe cases, signs of heart failure.