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[The circulatory system in children with cutaneous forms of scleroderma. The results of routine as well as 24-hour
W Rokicki1, J Rubisz-Brzezińska, M Dukalska
1Klinika Kardiologii Dzieciecej Slaskiej Akademii Medycznej w Katowicach.
Insights
Children with cutaneous scleroderma often have heart issues. Constant cardiological care is recommended for these pediatric patients to monitor for potential cardiac complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Clinical Medicine
Context:
- Scleroderma, a connective tissue disease, can manifest in cutaneous forms affecting children.
- The cardiac implications of pediatric cutaneous scleroderma are not fully understood.
- This study investigates the cardiovascular health of children diagnosed with cutaneous scleroderma.
Purpose:
- To assess the prevalence of cardiac abnormalities in children with cutaneous scleroderma.
- To evaluate physical development and performance in this patient group.
- To determine the necessity of ongoing cardiological surveillance for affected children.
Summary:
- Thirty-four children with cutaneous scleroderma underwent cardiological assessments, including physical exams, ECG, and Holter monitoring.
- Abnormalities were frequent, with impaired physical development in 5, congenital heart defects in 3, and abnormal ECG/Holter results in many participants.
- Despite cardiac findings, physical performance was comparable to controls when specific conditions were excluded, suggesting localized cardiac impact.
Impact:
- Highlights the significant cardiac involvement in pediatric cutaneous scleroderma.
- Supports the recommendation for continuous cardiological monitoring in these children.
- Informs clinical practice regarding the comprehensive assessment of children with scleroderma.
Abstract:
Thirty-four children suffering from so-called cutaneous forms of scleroderma were studied (physical examination, routine and 24-hour ECG, and physical performance test). Physical development was significantly impaired in 5 cases. Congenital heart malformations with left-to-right shunt were detected in 3 children. These children underwent surgery with good results. Heart murmur was found during physical examination in 14 cases. In 30 subjects routine ECG was described as abnormal or doubtful. Abnormal Holter monitoring results were found in 13 children. The authors were not able to detect inferior physical performance test results in the studied children as compared to the control group (when the children suffering from congenital heart malformations and resting tachycardia were excluded from the study). It is suggested that children suffering from so-called cutaneous forms of scleroderma should remain under constant cardiological care.