PURPOSE: To evaluate hemodynamic parameters and clinical outcome of children with severe cardiomyopathy who are candidates for heart transplantation. METHODS: Twenty four children aged from 4 months to 10 years and 8 months (mean 3.7±2.5 years) from February 1992 to May 1996, were submitted to hemodynamic study and the following parameters were measured: cardiac output, mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) and capillary wedge pressure. The pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI) and transpulmonary pressure gradient (TGP) were calculated. RESULTS: Ten (41.6%) children were transplanted (group A), 5 (20.8%) are still waiting heart transplantation (group B) and 9 (37.6%) died (group C). The mean age of the B and C group were significantly different. The PVRI, MPAP and TPG were significant lower in group A than group C (p=0.01; p=0.044 and p=0.023 respectively). CONCLUSION: The profile of the hemodynamic parameters of children with severe dilated cardiomyopathy was compatible with the clinical findings. The age was the only difference comparing groups B and C. PVRI, MPAP and TPG were significant factors between group A and C. The older the patient, the worse was the prognosis.
child; dilated cardiomyopathy; heart transplantation
