Should Children with Dilated Cardiomyopathy Undergo Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing?

In a single-center study, peak oxygen uptake was an independent predictor of outcome.

Peak oxygen uptake (VO₂) is an important prognostic variable in the selection of adults with chronic systolic heart failure for transplantation; however, the value of assessing VO₂ in children with chronic heart failure has not been explored. These investigators studied the association between VO₂ as measured by bicycle ergometer testing and outcomes in 82 children with dilated cardiomyopathy (mean age, 13.5 years; 62% boys; mean left ventricular shortening fraction [LVSF], 20%; idiopathic etiology, 94%) who were outpatients at a single U.K. center during 2001–2009. All patients were clinically stable on medical therapy (angiotensin-converting–enzyme [ACE] inhibitors, 68%; beta-blockers, 50%; aldosterone antagonists, 27%). The researchers c…

Reviewing Author

Frederick A. Masoudi, MD, MSPH, FACC, FAHA

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBristol Myers Squibb; CPC Clinical Research

Grant/Research SupportNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Editorial BoardsUpToDate; American College of Cardiology Self-Assessment Program (SAP)

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican College of Cardiology (Chair, Innovations Committee)

Frederick A. Masoudi, MD, MSPH, FACC, FAHA

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBristol Myers Squibb; CPC Clinical Research

Grant/Research SupportNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Editorial BoardsUpToDate; American College of Cardiology Self-Assessment Program (SAP)

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican College of Cardiology (Chair, Innovations Committee)