Long-term outcomes of dilated cardiomyopathy diagnosed during childhood: Results from a national population-based study of childhood cardiomyopathy

Abstract

BACKGROUND - : Existing studies of childhood dilated cardiomyopathy deal mainly with early survival. This population-based study examines long-term outcomes for children with dilated cardiomyopathy. METHODS AND RESULTS - : The diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy was based on clinical, echocardiographic, and pathological findings. The primary study end point included time to the combined outcome of death or cardiac transplantation. There were 175 patients 0 to <10 years of age at the time of diagnosis. Survival free from death or transplantation was 74% (95% confidence interval, 67-80) 1 year after diagnosis, 62% (95% confidence interval, 55-69) at 10 years, and 56% (95% confidence interval, ..