Management of Heart Failure in Infants and Children

Definition and Classification of Heart Failure in Pediatric Patients

Heart failure in infants and children is a complex clinical syndrome characterized by the heart’s inability to pump blood efficiently, leading to impaired oxygen delivery and metabolic dysfunction. Pediatric heart failure can be classified into two broad categories: systolic and diastolic heart failure.

Causes of Pediatric Heart Failure

Congenital heart defects
Cardiomyopathies
Myocarditis
Arrhythmias
Systemic diseases affecting cardiac function

Signs and Symptoms

Tachypnea and respiratory distress
Fatigue and poor feeding
Edema and hepatomegaly
Failure to thrive

Diagnosis and Evaluation

Diagnosing heart failure in pediatric patients involves a combination of clinical assessment, imaging, and laboratory tests. Key diagnostic modalities include echocardiography, chest X-ray, electrocardiography, and serum biomarkers like BNP.

Treatment and Management

Management of pediatric heart failure involves a multidisciplinary approach that includes pharmacological therapy, dietary modifications, and in severe cases, surgical intervention.