P0327 / #665: MYOCARDITIS IN CHILDREN HOSPITALIZED IN PICU: 10-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Aims & Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess epidemiology, clinical features and outcome of myocarditis in pediatric patients, without underlying chronic disease. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study, using hospital data logs from hospitalized patients in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of a tertiary Hospital in Athens, Greece, from 31/1/2009 to 1/1/2020. Results: In total, 38 patients were admitted with myocarditis, without underlying chronic disease, 63.2% of whom were male. The median length of stay was 36 hours (min. 3 hours, max. 15 days). Median patient age was 9 years and 8 months (min. 7 months, max. 15 years and 7 months). 76.3% of the patients had flu-like symptoms prior to admittance, but only 44.7% mentioned chest pain. 73.7% had abnormal EEG and 68.4% had abnormal ECHO. The vast majority of the patients (89.5%) had elevated serum troponin. Inotropes were necessary in 39.5% of the patients and 76.3% of them were discharged from PICU under medication (b-blockers and/or ACE inhibitors and/or diuretics). Finally, 71.1% of the patients were discharged from PICU to a common pediatric ward whereas, 8/38 were transferred to Cardiothoracic PICU (one of them needed ECMO). Three patients (8%) died during hospitalization in our PICU. Conclusions: Myocarditis needing PICU hospitalization in otherwise healthy children is a rather rare disease, with favorable outcome for the majority of patients. Non typical, flu-like symptoms are often present prior to admission. Troponin and EEG are commonly found abnormal. The majority of patients is discharged to pediatric clinic under medication.