Heart failure in the paediatric age group

Abstract

Heart failure is uncommon in childhood but its recognition is naturally important. Causes vary, but the commonest are congenital heart disease as well as infections/cardiomyopathy. The main presentation is shortness of breath on exertion and in babies, this may manifest as the inability to complete a feed, along with an elevated respiratory rate. The most commonly used drugs are diuretics, and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, as well as calorific supplementation. The vast majority of patients with heart failure are infants with congenital heart disease and fortunately, treatment for these patients is excellent with very high survival rates.