Prevalence of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices in children with type 1 myotonic dystrophy.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: Type 1 myotonic dystrophy (DM1) is a neuromuscular disorder of multiple organ systems with important electrophysiologic (EP) manifestations, leading to a cumulative incidence of sudden death of 6.6%. Due to genetic anticipation, there is a pediatric subset of this patient population. However, most EP research on DM1 patients has been in adults, making cardiac care for pediatric patients difficult and directed by adult guidelines which often leads to cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) implants. We sought to investigate the prevalence of CIEDs in the pediatric DM1 population. METHODS: The Vizient® Clinical Data Base was queried from October 2019 to October 2023 for admissions with and without ICD-10 code for myotonic dystrophy (G71.11), with and without codes for presence of a pacemaker or ICD (Z95.0, Z95.810). Patients who were identified were stratified by age: Pediatric (0-21 years) and Adult (22-50 years). RESULTS: Prevalence of CIED in pediatric DM1 was 2.1% and in adult DM1 was 15.8%. When comparing to pediatric and adult patients with CIED and without DM1, the odds ratio for CIED in pediatric DM1 was 48.8, compared to 23.3 for CIED in adult DM1. DISCUSSION: There are pediatric DM1 patients who have received CIED despite a lack of data to inform this decision-making. Further research will be important to ensure appropriate use of CIED in this population and to develop appropriate guidelines to direct management.

Adverse Effect of Bundle Branch Block on Exercise Performance in Patients with Fontan Physiology: From the Pediatric Heart Network Fontan Public Data Set.

Patients with Fontan physiology have reduced exercise performance compared to their peers as well as a higher incidence of bundle branch block (BBB). This study aims to investigate the association between BBB and exercise performance in the Fontan population through a retrospective review of the Pediatric Heart Network Fontan study public use dataset. "Low Performers" were defined as ≤ 25th percentile (for Fontan patients) for each exercise parameter at anaerobic threshold (AT) for gender and age and "Normal Performers" were all other patients. A total of 303 patients with Fontan physiology who underwent exercise testing reached AT and had complete data for BBB. BBB occurred more frequently in Low Performers for VO2 [OR (95% CI): 2.6 (1.4, 4.8)] and Work [OR (95% CI): 2.7 (1.4, 5.1)], suggesting that BBB in the Fontan population is associated with reduced exercise performance. This data adds to the existing clinical evidence of the adverse effects of conduction abnormalities on single ventricle cardiac output and adds support for consideration of cardiac resynchronization and multi-site ventricular pacing in this patient population.

A Prolonged QTc Interval Leads to the Diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism in an Adolescent Boy.

BACKGROUND: Syncope is a common cause of pediatric emergency department visits and carries a broad differential diagnosis, which includes a few rare but critical cardiac conditions. CASE REPORT: We review the case of an adolescent boy who presented to the emergency department after a syncopal event. He was found to have a prolonged QTc interval on electrocardiogram (ECG), without personal or family history or known risk factors. He was screened for thyroid dysfunction on a second ED visit for presyncope and was subsequently diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. The patient was treated with methimazole for 2 weeks and a repeat ECG showed normalization of the QTc interval with a QTc reduction of more than 100 ms; routine thyroid studies showed correction of thyroid stimulating hormone and free thyroxine levels shortly thereafter. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: This case and review of the medical literature should raise awareness for the emergency physician to consider evaluation of thyroid function in pediatric patients with QT interval prolongation and vice versa, potentially averting dangerous dysrhythmias.

Genetic Characterization of a Model Ciliopathy: Bardet-Biedl Syndrome.

Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a rare ciliopathy affecting multiple organ systems. Patients with BBS are usually diagnosed later in childhood when clinical features of the disease become apparent. In this article, we presented a case of BBS discovered by whole genome sequencing in a newborn with heterotaxy, duodenal atresia, and complex congenital heart disease. Early diagnosis is important not only for prognostication but also to explore ways to mitigate the cone-rod dysfunction and for exploring newer therapies. Our case highlights the importance of a high index of suspicion and the utility of advanced genetic testing to provide an early diagnosis for a rare disease.

Exercise Performance in Adolescents With Fontan Physiology (from the Pediatric Heart Network Fontan Public Data Set).

In the pediatric population, exercise capacity differs between females and males and the gap widens through adolescence. However, specific age- and sex-based changes in adolescents with congenital heart disease and Fontan palliation have not been reported. The purpose of the current study is to identify age- and sex-specific changes in exercise performance at peak and ventilatory anaerobic threshold (AT) for adolescents with Fontan physiology. Retrospective review of the Pediatric Heart Network Fontan cross sectional study (Fontan 1) public use dataset. Comparisons were made for peak and AT exercise parameters for females and males at 2-year age intervals. In addition, normative values were generated by sex and age at 2-year intervals. χ2 test was used for comparison for categorical variables. Changes in exercise parameters between age groups by sex were compared by ANOVA with post-hoc analysis. Exercise testing was performed in 411 patients. AT was reached in 317 subjects (40% female), of whom, 166 (43% female) reached peak exercise. Peak oxygen consumption decreased 32% through adolescence in females and did not have the typical increase through adolescence for males. Oxygen consumption at AT also decreased with age in both sexes. In conclusion, age- and sex-based exercise performance for adolescents with Fontan physiology are predictably low, but there are additional significant decreases through adolescence for this population, especially in females. We have established normative exercise values for several parameters for this population which will better identify at risk patients and allow for earlier intervention.

Use of rotational angiography in congenital cardiac catheterisations to generate three-dimensional-printed models.

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional printing is increasingly utilised for congenital heart defect procedural planning. CT or MR datasets are typically used for printing, but similar datasets can be obtained from three-dimensional rotational angiography. We sought to assess the feasibility and accuracy of printing three-dimensional models of CHD from rotational angiography datasets. METHODS: Retrospective review of CHD catheterisations using rotational angiography was performed, and patient and procedural details were collected. Imaging data from rotational angiography were segmented, cleaned, and printed with polylactic acid on a Dremel® 3D Idea Builder (Dremel, Mount Prospect, IL, USA). Printing time and materials' costs were captured. CT scans of printed models were compared objectively to the original virtual models. Two independent, non-interventional paediatric cardiologists provided subjective ratings of the quality and accuracy of the printed models. RESULTS: Rotational angiography data from 15 catheterisations on vascular structures were printed. Median print time was 3.83 hours, and material costs were $2.84. The CT scans of the printed models highly matched with the original digital models (root mean square for Hausdorff distance 0.013 ± 0.003 mesh units). Independent reviewers correctly described 80 and 87% of the models (p = 0.334) and reported high quality and accuracy (5 versus 5, p = NS; κ = 0.615). CONCLUSION: Imaging data from rotational angiography can be converted into accurate three-dimensional-printed models of CHD. The cost of printing the models was negligible, but the print time was prohibitive for real-time use. As the speed of three-dimensional printing technology increases, novel future applications may allow for printing patient-specific devices based on rotational angiography datasets.

Higher Incidence of Protein-Losing Enteropathy in Patients with Single Systemic Right Ventricle.

Patients with single ventricle congenital heart disease are at risk of unpredictable protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) after surgical palliation. Based on prior reports of physiologic differences for patients with single morphologic right versus left ventricles, we hypothesized that those with right ventricular morphology would have a higher incidence of PLE. We performed a retrospective review of > 15 million pediatric hospitalizations from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project KID 2000-2012 databases for admissions 5-21 years old with ICD-9 codes for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and tricuspid atresia (TA) with and without PLE. Incidence of PLE was compared between those with HLHS and TA. In addition, outcomes and costs were compared between admissions with and without PLE and between HLHS and TA. Of 1623 HLHS admissions, 289 (17.8%) had PLE, and of 926 TA admissions, 58 (5.9%) had PLE (p < 0.001). Admissions with PLE were older compared to those without PLE (12 vs 10 years, p < 0.001) and PLE onset occurred at a younger age for HLHS than TA (11 vs 14 years, p < 0.001). There were no differences in hospital outcomes or costs. Review of this large administrative database suggests a higher incidence of PLE in patients with HLHS and a younger age of onset compared to those with TA. These data suggest that a single systemic right ventricle may be an independent risk factor for developing PLE.

OSA and Neurocognitive Impairment in Children With Congenital Heart Disease.

BACKGROUND: Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) have an increased risk of neurocognitive impairment. No prior studies have evaluated the role of OSA, which is associated with neurocognitive impairment in children without CHD. RESEARCH QUESTION: Is OSA is associated with neurocognitive impairment in children with CHD? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Children aged 6 to 17 years with corrected moderate to complex CHD without syndromes that may affect neurocognition were recruited from the pediatric cardiology clinic. Participants underwent home sleep testing and neurocognitive testing, including a validated Intellectual Quotient (IQ) test as well as validated tests of memory (Paired Associates Learning test), executive function (Intra-Extra Dimensional set shift test), and attention (Simple Reaction Test) from the CANTAB neurocognitive testing battery. RESULTS: Complete results were available for 30 children. Seventeen children (57%) were found to have OSA. Total IQ was markedly lower in children with CHD and comorbid OSA compared with children with CHD without comorbid OSA (mean, 86 ± 12 vs 98 ± 11; P = .01). Children with CHD and OSA did significantly worse on the Paired Associates Learning test, with a median of eight total errors (interquartile range [IQR], 2.25-15) compared with children with CHD without OSA (median total errors, 2, IQR, 1-8; P = .02). INTERPRETATION: Children with CHD and comorbid OSA have impaired neurocognition compared with children with CHD without comorbid OSA. OSA may be a reversible cause of neurocognitive impairment in children with CHD. Further research is needed to evaluate the effects of OSA treatment on neurocognitive impairment in children with CHD.

Transcatheter treatment of acquired coronary sinus ostium atresia in a child with complex congenital heart disease.

Congenital coronary sinus ostium atresia is a rare condition that is typically considered benign, as long as there is adequate drainage via another route. However, in children with single ventricle congenital heart disease, adequate drainage may not be assured after complex surgical interventions, putting them at risk for myocardial injury. We present a patient with complex single ventricle congenital heart disease who developed acquired coronary sinus ostium atresia after surgical intervention that was treated by a transcatheter approach to prevent the sequelae of coronary sinus hypertension.

Resolution of Protein-Losing Enteropathy after Congenital Heart Disease Repair by Selective Lymphatic Embolization.

With improving survival of children with complex congenital heart disease (CCHD), postoperative complications, like protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) are increasingly encountered. A 3-year-old girl with surgically corrected CCHD (ventricular inversion/L-transposition of the great arteries, ventricular septal defect, pulmonary atresia, post-double switch procedure [Rastelli and Glenn]) developed chylothoraces. She was treated with pleurodesis, thoracic duct ligation and subsequently developed chylous ascites and PLE (serum albumin ≤0.9 g/dL) and was malnourished, despite nutritional rehabilitation. Lymphangioscintigraphy/single-photon emission computed tomography showed lymphatic obstruction at the cisterna chyli level. A segmental chyle leak and chylous lymphangiectasia were confirmed by gastrointestinal endoscopy, magnetic resonance (MR) enterography, and MR lymphangiography. Selective glue embolization of leaking intestinal lymphatic trunks led to prompt reversal of PLE. Serum albumin level and weight gain markedly improved and have been maintained for over 3 years. Selective interventional embolization reversed this devastating lymphatic complication of surgically corrected CCHD.

Factors associated with perioperative mortality in children and adolescents operated for tetralogy of Fallot: A sub-Saharan experience.

BACKGROUND: Patients with tetralogy of Fallot are now surviving to adulthood with timely surgical intervention. However, many patients in low-income countries have no access to surgical intervention. This paper reports the surgical access and perioperative mortality in a sub-Saharan center that was mainly dependent on visiting teams. METHODS: We reviewed records of patients operated from January 2009 to December 2014. We examined perioperative outcomes, primarily focusing on factors associated with perioperative mortality. RESULTS: During this period, 62 patients underwent surgery. Fifty-seven (91.9%) underwent primary repair, while 5 (6.5%) underwent palliative shunt surgery. Of the five patients with shunt surgery, four ultimately underwent total repair. Eight (12.9%) patients died during the perioperative period. Factors associated with perioperative mortality include repeated preoperative phlebotomy procedures (P < .001), repeated runs and long cardiopulmonary bypass time (P < .001), and aortic cross-clamp time (P < .001), narrow pulmonary artery (PA) valve annulus diameter (P = .022), narrow distal main PA diameter (P = .039), narrow left branch PA diameter (P = .049), and narrow right PA diameter (P = .039). Of these factors, cardiopulmonary bypass time/aortic cross-clamp time and pulmonary valve annulus diameter less than three SD were independently associated with perioperative mortality. CONCLUSION: In this series of consecutive patients operated by a variety of humanitarian surgical teams, cardiopulmonary bypass time/aortic cross-clamp time, and pulmonary valve annulus diameter less than three SD were independently associated with perioperative mortality risk. As some of these factors are modifiable, we suggest that they should be considered during patient selection and at the time of surgical intervention.

Sleep-Disordered Breathing is Associated With Increased Mortality in Hospitalized Infants With Congenital Heart Disease.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) has adverse cardiovascular effects in children and adults. In adults with cardiac disease, SDB is highly prevalent and confers increased mortality risk. It is unknown if SDB confers a similar risk in infants with congenital heart disease (CHD). We evaluated clinical and economic outcomes associated with SDB among inpatient infants with CHD in the United States from 1997-2012. METHODS: This retrospective, cross-sectional study used discharge data from the Kids' Inpatient Database. Inclusion criteria included diagnosed CHD and age younger than 1 year. Exclusion criteria included apnea of prematurity, cardiac surgery during admission, and invasive mechanical ventilation. Generalized linear models were used to assess outcomes of mortality, length of stay, and total charges after controlling for SDB, clinical characteristics, hospital characteristics, and economic factors. RESULTS: Across 461,778 inpatient infant cases of CHD from 1997-2012, 4,839 involved SDB (14% obstructive, 4% central, 82% not specified). Multivariable analyses show that central sleep apnea was independently associated with increased risk of inpatient mortality (odds ratio 4.3), 92% longer inpatient stay, and 112% higher total charges when compared to infants with CHD without comorbid SDB (P < .05). Obstructive and unspecified SDB were associated with longer adjusted lengths of stay (56% and 18%, respectively) and higher charges (48% and 21%, respectively) relative to infants with CHD without comorbid SDB (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: SDB, particularly central sleep apnea, was independently associated with worse outcomes in hospitalized infants with CHD. Further research on whether treatment of SDB in infants with CHD can abrogate adverse patient outcomes is needed.

Percutaneous management of complex acquired aortic coarctation in an adult with tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary atresia.

We present the case of a female adult with complex cyanotic congenital heart disease who had long-standing thoracic aortic obstruction due to scarring from earlier surgical procedures. She was symptomatic but felt to be too high risk for surgical intervention. With careful planning, she was able to undergo successful stenting of her aorta with subsequent clinical improvement. This case highlights some of the complexities of caring for adults with congenital heart disease and the importance of a thorough understanding of their anatomy and physiology and prior interventions before undertaking interventions.

Associations between timing of corticosteroid treatment initiation and clinical outcomes in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

The long-term efficacy of corticosteroid treatment and timing of treatment initiation among Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients is not well-understood. We used data from a longitudinal, population-based DMD surveillance program to examine associations between timing of treatment initiation (early childhood [before or at age 5 years], late childhood [after age 5 years], and naïve [not treated]) and five clinical outcomes (age at loss of ambulation; ages at onset of cardiomyopathy, scoliosis, and first fracture; and pulmonary function). Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using survival analysis. DMD patients who initiated corticosteroid treatment in early childhood had a higher risk of earlier onset cardiomyopathy compared to cases who initiated treatment in late childhood (HR = 2.0, 95% CI = [1.2, 3.4]) or treatment naïve patients (HR = 1.9, 95% CI = [1.1, 3.2]), and higher risk of suffering a fracture (HR = 2.3, 95% CI = [1.4, 3.7] and HR = 2.6, 95% CI = [1.6, 4.2], respectively). Patients with early childhood treatment had slightly decreased respiratory function compared with those with late childhood treatment. Ages at loss of ambulation or scoliosis diagnosis did not differ statistically among treatment groups. We caution that the results from our study are subject to several limitations, as they were based on data abstracted from medical records. Further investigations using improved reporting of disease onset and outcomes are warranted to obtain a more definitive assessment of the association between the timing of corticosteroid treatment and disease severity.

Application and Utility of iPads in Pediatric Tele-echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Telemedicine is used with increasing frequency to improve patient care in remote areas. The interpretation of medical imaging on iPad(®) (Apple, Cupertino, CA) tablets has been reported to be accurate. There are no studies on the use of iPads for interpretation of pediatric echocardiograms. We compared the quality of echo images, diagnostic accuracy, and review time using three different modalities: remote access on an iPad Air (iPad), remote access via a computer (Remote), and direct access on a computer linked through Ethernet to the server, the "gold standard" (Direct). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty consecutive archived pediatric echocardiograms were interpreted using the three modalities. Studies were analyzed blindly by three pediatric cardiologists; review time, diagnostic accuracy, and image quality were documented. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed by comparing the study diagnoses with the official diagnosis in the patient's chart. Discrepancies between diagnoses were graded as major (more than one grade difference) or minor (one grade difference in severity of lesion). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in accuracy among the three modalities. There was one major discrepancy (size of patent ductus arteriosus); all others were minor, hemodynamically insignificant. Image quality ratings were better for iPad than Remote; Direct had the highest ratings. Review times (mean [standard deviation] minutes) were longest for iPad (5.89 [3.87]) and then Remote (4.72 [2.69]), with Direct having the shortest times (3.52 [1.42]) (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric echocardiograms can be interpreted using convenient, portable devices while preserving accuracy and quality with slightly longer review times (1-2 min). These findings are important in the current era of increasing need for mobile health.

Intrauterine Treatment of a Fetus with Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Secondary to MYH7 Mutation.

There is no clear consensus on optimal management of fetuses affected by familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Intrauterine treatment of the condition has not been attempted in any standardized fashion. We report the case of a fetus treated by maternal propranolol during the third trimester after septal hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction was diagnosed on fetal echocardiogram. The pregnancy went successfully to term, and fetal septal hypertrophy was noted to improve prior to delivery.

Oral corticosteroids and onset of cardiomyopathy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the age when cardiomyopathy develops in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and to analyze the effect of corticosteroid treatment on the age of cardiomyopathy onset. STUDY DESIGN: We identified a population-based sample of 462 boys with DMD, born between 1982 and 2005, in 5 surveillance sites in the US. Echocardiographic and corticosteroid treatment data were collected. Cardiomyopathy was defined by a reduced fractional shortening (<28%) or ejection fraction (<55%). The age of cardiomyopathy onset was determined. Survival analysis was performed to determine the effects of corticosteroid treatment on cardiomyopathy onset. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age of cardiomyopathy onset was 14.3 (4.2) years for the entire population and 15.2 (3.4) years in corticosteroid-treated vs 13.1 (4.8) in non-treated boys. Survival analysis described a significant delay of cardiomyopathy onset for boys treated with corticosteroids (P < .02). By 14.3 years of age, 63% of non-treated boys had developed cardiomyopathy vs only 36% of those treated. Among boys treated with corticosteroids, there is a significant positive effect of duration of corticosteroid treatment on cardiomyopathy onset (P < .0001). For every year of corticosteroid treatment, the probability of developing cardiomyopathy decreased by 4%. CONCLUSIONS: Oral corticosteroid treatment was associated with delayed cardiomyopathy onset. The duration of corticosteroid treatment also correlated positively with delayed cardiomyopathy onset. Our analysis suggests that a boy with DMD treated for 5 years with corticosteroids might experience a 20% decrease in the likelihood of developing cardiomyopathy compared with untreated boys.

Feasibility of pulse oximetry screening for critical congenital heart disease at 2643-foot elevation.

To evaluate the feasibility of implementing a pulse oximetry screening protocol at a city of mild elevation with a specific focus on the false-positive screening rate. Pulse oximetry screening was performed according to the proposed guidelines endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics at a center in Tucson, AZ, at an elevation of 2,643 ft (806 m). During a 10-month period in 2012, 1069 full-term asymptomatic newborns were screened ≥ 24 h after birth. The mean preductal oxygen saturation was 98.5 ± 1.3 % (range 92-100 %), and the mean postductal oxygen saturation was 98.6 ± 1.3 % (range 94-100 %). Of 1,069 patients screened, 7 were excluded secondary to protocol violations, and 1 screened positive. An echocardiogram was performed on the newborn with the positive screen, and it was normal with the exception of right-to-left shunting across a patent foramen ovale. The false-positive rate was 1/1,062 or 0.094 %. The pulse oximetry screening guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics are feasible at an elevation of 2,643 ft (806 m) with a low false-positive rate. Adjustments to the protocol are not required for centers at elevations ≤ 2,643 ft. Future studies at greater elevations are warranted.

Remote diagnosis of congenital heart disease in southern Arizona: comparison between tele-echocardiography and videotapes.

OBJECTIVE: We report our experience with tele-echocardiography and echocardiograms recorded digitally or on videotape (recorded-echos) at The University of Arizona from August 2006 to December 2010 and compare their quality and diagnostic accuracy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tele-echocardiograms (tele-echos) were transmitted from the Yuma Regional Medical Center to The University of Arizona via a T-1 and aT-3 line at a bandwidth of 768 kilobits per second. Recorded-echos were shipped for interpretation to The University of Arizona by overnight mail. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed by comparing tele- and recorded-echos with electrocardiograms performed by a pediatric cardiologist (PedsCard-echos). RESULTS: Three hundred forty-six tele-echos in 260 patients and 455 recorded-echos in 406 patients were performed (median age, 6 and 8 days, respectively). Indications included possible congenital heart disease (CHD), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. Diagnostic categories included complex CHD, non-critical disease, PDA, and other. PedsCard-echos were available for 27% of the tele-echo and 30% of the recorded-echo patients. Comparisons between tele- and PedsCard-echo yielded no discrepancies in 12 (23%), expected resolution of condition in 26 (49%), and minor in 14 (26%). One (2%) major discrepancy was detected. Comparisons between recorded- and PedsCard-echo showed no discrepancies in 28 (40%), expected resolution of condition in 14 (20%), and minor discrepancies in 28 (40%) patients. No significant difference with respect to discrepancies was detected between tele- and recorded-echos. There was significant (p<0.01) improvement in tele- and recorded-echo study quality by 2010. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Tele-echocardiography can be performed successfully with excellent accuracy. (2) The quality of tele- and recorded-echo studies improved toward the end of the analysis period. (3) Although initially tele-echo studies were more accurate than recorded-echo studies, there was no difference between these two types of studies by the fourth year of the study. (4) Both tele- and recorded-echos were indispensible in the remote diagnosis of CHD.

Left ventricular assist device support as a bridge to recovery in young children.

OBJECTIVE: Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) experience and follow-up data in children are limited. We report the deployment and successful weaning from LVAD in young children with severe heart failure (HF). DESIGN: From 2004--2009, 13 children suffering from HF were placed on LVAD. All presented with a dilated left ventricle (LV) with severely reduced contractility, secondary to myocarditis, atrial arrhythmia or idiopathic HF. This study reports their outcomes and longitudinal follow-up. RESULTS: Of 13 young children with HF (ages 1 month--6 years; mean 19.2 months) placed on LVAD: eight weaned to recovery and successful hospital discharge, one was transplanted and four died. Echo follow-up in the weaned patients (mean age 22.1 months) revealed significant improvements from pre-LVAD measurements: LV end-diastolic dimension (LVED) mean z-score decreased from +4.8 to +0.95 (P < .001); fractional shortening (FS %) improved from a mean of 9.3% to 33% (P < .001); and the degree of mitral regurgitation (MR) significantly improved (P < .05). Time to LVAD deployment from HF diagnosis was more likely to be less than 30 days in the successfully weaned patients (100%) than patients who died or were transplanted (20%); P = .007. CONCLUSIONS: LVAD support can be utilized as a bridge to recovery in young children with HF. Following LVAD weaning, children sustain improvements in LV size, function and degree of MR. LVAD deployment less than 30 days from HF diagnosis improves the likelihood of successful weaning and illustrates that children with acute etiologies of HF are more likely to achieve recovery.