Heart failure in children and adolescents (high yield topics for primary care pediatrician)

Abstract

HF in children is a life-threatening polyethiological state with a tendency to progression. There are acute and chronic heart failure, the causes of which are largely determined by age. Depending on the causes and features of hemodynamics, HF can occur with a stored (and borderline) and with a reduced ejection fraction. In early and young childhood, HF is manifested primarily by a decrease in appetite, sweating, decreased physical activity and a slowdown in physical development. At an older age, shortness of breath, edema, and enlargement of the liver are highlighted. The determination of biochemical markers of myocardial insufficiency (natriuretic peptide, troponin) is important for assessing the degree of HF, although the standards for their concentration for different age groups require further refinement. An instrumental study noted a decrease in myocardial contractility. Initially, myocardial oxygen consumption is increasing, which indicates its irrational use and corresponds to increased peroxidation. Subsequently, myocardial oxygen consumption decreases even without signs of coronary pathology. Treatment should include mandatory sufficient calorie intake, sparing regimen, complex drug therapy.