摘要
BACKGROUND Myocarditis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children, leading to long-term sequelae including chronic congestive heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy, heart transplantation, and death. The initial diagnosis of myocarditis is usually based on clinical presentation, but this widely ranges from the severe sudden onset of a cardiogenic shock to asymptomatic patients. Early recognition is essential in order to monitor and start supportive treatment prior to the development of severe adverse events. Of note, many cases of fulminant myocarditis are usually misdiagnosed as otherwise minor conditions during the weeks before the unexpected deterioration.AIM To provide diagnostic clues to make an early recognition of pediatric myocarditis.To investigate early predictors for poor outcomes.METHODS We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional single-center study from January 2008 to November 2017 at the Pediatric Department of our institution, including children < 18-years-old diagnosed with myocarditis. Poor outcome was defined as the occurrence of any of the following facts: death, heart transplant, persistent left ventricular systolic dysfunction or dilation at hospital discharge(early poor outcome), or after 1 year of follow-up(late poor outcome). We analyzed different clinical features and diagnostic test findings in order to provide diagnostic clues for myocarditis in children. Multivariable stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed using all variables that had been selected by univariate analysis to determine independent factors that predicted a poor early or late outcome in our study population.RESULTS A total of 42 patients [69% male; median age of 8(1.5-12) years] met study inclusion criteria. Chest pain(40%) was the most common specific cardiac symptom. Respiratory tract symptoms(cough, apnea, rhinorrhea)(38%),shortness of breath(35%), gastrointestinal tract symptoms(vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea)(33%), and fever(31%) were the most common non-cardiac initial complaints.
BACKGROUND Myocarditis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children, leading to long-term sequelae including chronic congestive heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy, heart transplantation, and death. The initial diagnosis of myocarditis is usually based on clinical presentation, but this widely ranges from the severe sudden onset of a cardiogenic shock to asymptomatic patients. Early recognition is essential in order to monitor and start supportive treatment prior to the development of severe adverse events. Of note, many cases of fulminant myocarditis are usually misdiagnosed as otherwise minor conditions during the weeks before the unexpected deterioration.AIM To provide diagnostic clues to make an early recognition of pediatric myocarditis.To investigate early predictors for poor outcomes.METHODS We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional single-center study from January 2008 to November 2017 at the Pediatric Department of our institution, including children < 18-years-old diagnosed with myocarditis. Poor outcome was defined as the occurrence of any of the following facts: death, heart transplant, persistent left ventricular systolic dysfunction or dilation at hospital discharge(early poor outcome), or after 1 year of follow-up(late poor outcome). We analyzed different clinical features and diagnostic test findings in order to provide diagnostic clues for myocarditis in children. Multivariable stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed using all variables that had been selected by univariate analysis to determine independent factors that predicted a poor early or late outcome in our study population.RESULTS A total of 42 patients [69% male; median age of 8(1.5-12) years] met study inclusion criteria. Chest pain(40%) was the most common specific cardiac symptom. Respiratory tract symptoms(cough, apnea, rhinorrhea)(38%),shortness of breath(35%), gastrointestinal tract symptoms(vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea)(33%), and fever(31%) were the most common non-cardiac initial complaints.
