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Karachunski P, Townsend D. Systemic under treatment of heart disease in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Neuromuscul Disord 2023; 33:776-781. [PMID: 37775424 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2023.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a devastating muscle disease characterized by muscle deterioration and cardiomyopathy. The cardiomyopathy is progressive in nature, marked by the accumulation of myocardial scarring and the loss of contractile function. The presence of cardiac disfunction is nearly universal in individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy with dysfunction being evident in patients < 10 years of age. In recognition of importance of prophylactic treatment, clinical guidelines recommend beginning treatment of the heart disease in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients at 10 years of age, even in the absence of cardiac dysfunction. This manuscript evaluates the current practices of treatment of dystrophic cardiomyopathy. We make use of clinical data compiled by the Muscular Dystrophy Association to assess changes in medical management of cardiac disease in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients in response to changes in guidelines. We find since the issuance of new guidelines Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients receiving cardiac-directed therapy are beginning it at significantly younger ages. However, we show that 64 % of individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy are not receiving the recommended cardiac therapies. The underlying causes of this gap in guideline adherence are complex but correcting this deficiency represent a significant opportunity to improve the clinical management of dystrophic cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Karachunski
- Paul and Sheila Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Center, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - DeWayne Townsend
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Paul and Sheila Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Center, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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2
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Nandi D, Auerbach SR, Bansal N, Buchholz H, Conway J, Esteso P, Kaufman BD, Lal AK, Law SP, Lorts A, May LJ, Mehegan M, Mokshagundam D, Morales DLS, O'Connor MJ, Rosenthal DN, Shezad MF, Simpson KE, Sutcliffe DL, Vanderpluym C, Wittlieb-Weber CA, Zafar F, Cripe L, Villa CR. Initial multicenter experience with ventricular assist devices in children and young adults with muscular dystrophy: An ACTION registry analysis. J Heart Lung Transplant 2023; 42:246-254. [PMID: 36270923 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cardiac disease results in significant morbidity and mortality in patients with muscular dystrophy (MD). Single centers have reported their ventricular assist device (VAD) experience in specific MDs and in limited numbers. This study sought to describe the outcomes associated with VAD therapy in an unselected population across multiple centers. METHODS We examined outcomes of patients with MD and dilated cardiomyopathy implanted with a VAD at Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network (ACTION) centers from 9/2012 to 9/2020. RESULTS A total of 19 VADs were implanted in 18 patients across 12 sites. The majority of patients had dystrophinopathy (66%) and the median age at implant was 17.2 years (range 11.7-29.5). Eleven patients were non-ambulatory (61%) and 6 (33%) were on respiratory support pre-VAD. Five (28%) patients were implanted as a bridge to transplant, 4 of whom survived to transplant. Of 13 patients implanted as bridge to decision or destination therapy, 77% were alive at 1 year and 69% at 2 years. The overall frequencies of positive outcome (transplanted or alive on device) at 1 year and 2 years were 84% and 78%, respectively. Two patients suffered a stroke, 2 developed sepsis, 1 required tracheostomy, and 1 experienced severe right heart failure requiring right-sided VAD. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the potential utility of VAD therapies in patients with muscular dystrophy. Further research is needed to further improve outcomes and better determine which patients may benefit most from VAD therapy in terms of survival and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Scott R Auerbach
- University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Neha Bansal
- Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | | | | | - Paul Esteso
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Beth D Kaufman
- Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Palo Alto, California
| | - Ashwin K Lal
- Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Sabrina P Law
- Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Angela Lorts
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | | | - Mary Mehegan
- St. Louis Children's Hospital, St Louis, Missouri
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Kathleen E Simpson
- University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | | | | | | | - Farhan Zafar
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Linda Cripe
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Chet R Villa
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Villa C, Auerbach SR, Bansal N, Birnbaum BF, Conway J, Esteso P, Gambetta K, Hall EK, Kaufman BD, Kirmani S, Lal AK, Martinez HR, Nandi D, O’Connor MJ, Parent JJ, Raucci FJ, Shih R, Shugh S, Soslow JH, Tunuguntla H, Wittlieb-Weber CA, Kinnett K, Cripe L. Current Practices in Treating Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD): Understanding Care Practices in Order to Optimize DMD Heart Failure Through ACTION. Pediatr Cardiol 2022; 43:977-985. [PMID: 35024902 PMCID: PMC8756173 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-021-02807-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac disease has emerged as a leading cause of mortality in Duchenne muscular dystrophy in the current era. This survey sought to identify the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to DMD among pediatric cardiologists in Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network. Pediatric cardiology providers within ACTION (a multi-center pediatric heart failure learning network) were surveyed regarding their approaches to cardiac care in DMD. Thirty-one providers from 23 centers responded. Cardiac MRI and Holter monitoring are routinely obtained, but the frequency of use and indications for ordering these tests varied widely. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and aldosterone antagonist are generally initiated prior to onset of systolic dysfunction, while the indications for initiating beta-blocker therapy vary more widely. Seventeen (55%) providers report their center has placed an implantable cardioverter defibrillator in at least 1 DMD patient, while 11 providers (35%) would not place an ICD for primary prevention in a DMD patient. Twenty-three providers (74%) would consider placement of a ventricular assist device (VAD) as destination therapy (n = 23, 74%) and three providers (10%) would consider a VAD only as bridge to transplant. Five providers (16%) would not consider VAD at their institution. Cardiac diagnostic and therapeutic approaches vary among ACTION centers, with notable variation present regarding the use of advanced therapies (ICD and VAD). The network is currently working to harmonize medical practices and optimize clinical care in an era of rapidly evolving outcomes and cardiac/skeletal muscle therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chet Villa
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Ave, MLC 2003, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
| | - Scott R. Auerbach
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado, Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Children’s Hospital Colorado Aurora, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Neha Bansal
- grid.251993.50000000121791997Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY USA
| | - Brian F. Birnbaum
- grid.239559.10000 0004 0415 5050Children’s Mercy Hospital and Clinics, Kansas City, MO USA
| | - Jennifer Conway
- grid.416656.60000 0004 0633 3703Stollery Children’s Hospital, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7 Canada
| | - Paul Esteso
- grid.2515.30000 0004 0378 8438Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA
| | - Katheryn Gambetta
- grid.413808.60000 0004 0388 2248Ann and Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago, IL USA
| | - E. Kevin Hall
- grid.417307.6Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA
| | - Beth D. Kaufman
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology), Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA USA
| | - Sonya Kirmani
- grid.414182.a0000 0004 0496 1167Duke Children’s Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center, Duke Children’s Hospital, Durham, NC USA
| | - Ashwin K. Lal
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Primary Children’s Hospital, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Hugo R. Martinez
- grid.267301.10000 0004 0386 9246The Heart Institute at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN USA
| | - Deipanjan Nandi
- grid.240344.50000 0004 0392 3476Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH USA
| | - Matthew J. O’Connor
- grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - John J. Parent
- grid.257413.60000 0001 2287 3919Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Frank J. Raucci
- grid.224260.00000 0004 0458 8737Children’s Hospital of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, VA USA
| | - Renata Shih
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Congenital Heart Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Svetlana Shugh
- grid.428608.00000 0004 0444 4338Heart Institute, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Hollywood, FL USA
| | - Jonathan H. Soslow
- grid.416074.00000 0004 0433 6783Department of Pediatrics, Thomas P. Graham Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Hari Tunuguntla
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XDepartment of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Carol A. Wittlieb-Weber
- grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Kathi Kinnett
- grid.437213.00000 0004 5907 1479Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, Hackensack, NJ USA
| | - Linda Cripe
- grid.240344.50000 0004 0392 3476Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH USA
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Hayes EA, Nandi D. Is there a future for the use of left ventricular assist devices in Duchenne muscular dystrophy? Pediatr Pulmonol 2021; 56:753-759. [PMID: 33245216 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.25181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common form of childhood muscular dystrophy resulting in progressive muscle wasting and weakness. With advancements in respiratory care and the use of glucocorticoids, cardiomyopathy has surpassed respiratory compromise as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in this patient population. As muscular dystrophy remains a relative contraindication to heart transplantation, end-stage heart failure management represents a major therapeutic challenge. Long-term left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy has emerged as a promising management strategy to improve the survival and quality of life in DMD cardiomyopathy. Preoperative planning, optimal patient selection, aggressive postoperative rehabilitation, and continued discussion of goals of care are critical considerations for the appropriate use of LVAD in DMD patients with cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Hayes
- Division of Cardiology, The Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Deipanjan Nandi
- Division of Cardiology, The Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Fonseca AC, Almeida AG, Santos MO, Ferro JM. Neurological complications of cardiomyopathies. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2021; 177:91-109. [PMID: 33632460 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-819814-8.00001-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
There is a multifaceted relationship between the cardiomyopathies and a wide spectrum of neurological disorders. Severe acute neurological events, such as a status epilepticus and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, may result in an acute cardiomyopathy the likes of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Conversely, the cardiomyopathies may result in a wide array of neurological disorders. Diagnosis of a cardiomyopathy may have already been established at the time of the index neurological event, or the neurological event may have prompted subsequent cardiac investigations, which ultimately lead to the diagnosis of a cardiomyopathy. The cardiomyopathies belong to one of the many phenotypes of complex genetic diseases or syndromes, which may also involve the central or peripheral nervous systems. A number of exogenous agents or risk factors such as diphtheria, alcohol, and several viruses may result in secondary cardiomyopathies accompanied by several neurological manifestations. A variety of neuromuscular disorders, such as myotonic dystrophy or amyloidosis, may demonstrate cardiac involvement during their clinical course. Furthermore, a number of genetic cardiomyopathies phenotypically incorporate during their clinical evolution, a gamut of neurological manifestations, usually neuromuscular in nature. Likewise, neurological complications may be the result of diagnostic procedures or medications for the cardiomyopathies and vice versa. Neurological manifestations of the cardiomyopathies are broad and include, among others, transient ischemic attacks, ischemic strokes, intracranial hemorrhages, syncope, muscle weakness and atrophy, myotonia, cramps, ataxia, seizures, intellectual developmental disorder, cognitive impairment, dementia, oculomotor palsies, deafness, retinal involvement, and headaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Catarina Fonseca
- Neurology Service, Hospital Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte and Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana G Almeida
- Cardiology Service, Hospital Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte and Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Miguel Oliveira Santos
- Neurology Service, Hospital Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte and Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José M Ferro
- Neurology Service, Hospital Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte and Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.
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de Souza F, Bittar Braune C, Dos Santos Nucera APC. Duchenne muscular dystrophy: an overview to the cardiologist. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2020; 18:867-872. [PMID: 32985912 DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2020.1828065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common form of muscular dystrophy in children, affecting approximately one in 3,500-5,000 liveborn boys. The main signs and symptoms include gait disturbances beginning in early childhood, with later onset of respiratory and cardiac function disorders, both directly affecting the prognosis. AREAS COVERED The recent improvement of mechanical ventilation increased the mean DMD survival age; however, there has been little progress in the treatment and prevention of cardiac complications, which currently predominantly impact survival. Cardiological evaluation with imaging methods, such as echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging, can improve the understanding and detect changes in cardiac function early. EXPERT OPINION Close monitoring by the cardiologists and early treatment, with adequate heart disease stratification, may be the key to prolong the lives of these patients until more promising therapies are available and can predict DMD prognosis and progression more accurately. The objective of this brief review is to update the cardiologists by highlighting the most relevant aspects of treatment and follow-up, in a practical and concise way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio de Souza
- Cardiology Section, Department of Specialized Medicine, School of Medicine and Surgery, Federal University of the State of Rio De Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Paula Cassetta Dos Santos Nucera
- Cardiology Section, Department of Specialized Medicine, School of Medicine and Surgery, Federal University of the State of Rio De Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Adorisio R, Mencarelli E, Cantarutti N, Calvieri C, Amato L, Cicenia M, Silvetti M, D’Amico A, Grandinetti M, Drago F, Amodeo A. Duchenne Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Cardiac Management from Prevention to Advanced Cardiovascular Therapies. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9103186. [PMID: 33019553 PMCID: PMC7600130 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9103186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by a hypokinetic, dilated phenotype progressively increasing with age. Regular cardiac care is crucial in DMD care. Early recognition and prophylactic use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) are the main stay therapeutic strategy to delay incidence of DMD-DCM. Pharmacological treatment to improve symptoms and left ventricle (LV) systolic function, have been widely implemented in the past years. Because of lack of DMD specific drugs, actual indications for established DCM include current treatment for heart failure (HF). This review focuses on current HF strategies to identify, characterize, and treat DMD-DCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachele Adorisio
- Heart Failure Clinic-Heart Failure, Heart Transplant, Mechanical Circulatory Support Unit, Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Heart and Lung Transplant, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (E.M.); (L.A.); (M.G.); (A.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-6859-2217; Fax: +39-06-6859-2607
| | - Erica Mencarelli
- Heart Failure Clinic-Heart Failure, Heart Transplant, Mechanical Circulatory Support Unit, Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Heart and Lung Transplant, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (E.M.); (L.A.); (M.G.); (A.A.)
| | - Nicoletta Cantarutti
- Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Arrhythmias/Syncope Unit, Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (N.C.); (C.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (F.D.)
| | - Camilla Calvieri
- Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Arrhythmias/Syncope Unit, Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (N.C.); (C.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (F.D.)
| | - Liliana Amato
- Heart Failure Clinic-Heart Failure, Heart Transplant, Mechanical Circulatory Support Unit, Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Heart and Lung Transplant, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (E.M.); (L.A.); (M.G.); (A.A.)
| | - Marianna Cicenia
- Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Arrhythmias/Syncope Unit, Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (N.C.); (C.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (F.D.)
| | - Massimo Silvetti
- Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Arrhythmias/Syncope Unit, Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (N.C.); (C.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (F.D.)
| | - Adele D’Amico
- Neuromuscolar Disease, Genetic and Rare Disease Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy;
| | - Maria Grandinetti
- Heart Failure Clinic-Heart Failure, Heart Transplant, Mechanical Circulatory Support Unit, Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Heart and Lung Transplant, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (E.M.); (L.A.); (M.G.); (A.A.)
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A, Gemelli IRCCS, 20097 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Drago
- Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Arrhythmias/Syncope Unit, Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (N.C.); (C.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (F.D.)
| | - Antonio Amodeo
- Heart Failure Clinic-Heart Failure, Heart Transplant, Mechanical Circulatory Support Unit, Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Heart and Lung Transplant, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (E.M.); (L.A.); (M.G.); (A.A.)
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Piperata A, Bottio T, Toscano G, Avesani M, Vianello A, Gerosa G. Is heart transplantation a real option in patients with Duchenne syndrome? Inferences from a case report. ESC Heart Fail 2020; 7:3198-3202. [PMID: 32738034 PMCID: PMC7524121 DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.12905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most frequent and severe form of MD. It firstly affects the skeletal muscles, causing severe disability, and subsequently the myocardium. The only two options to treat end‐stage heart failure in these patients are either a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation as destination therapy or a heart transplant. These hypotheses are still controversial, and data are very limited. We describe the case of an 18‐year‐old male patient, affected by DMD and in a wheelchair from the age of 11. He progressively developed dilated cardiomyopathy, and in 2016, at the age of 14 years, he underwent HeartWare LVAD implantation, as destination therapy, without post‐operative complications. He has been followed up for 47 consecutive months; and 30 months after LVAD implantation, he developed an infection of the exit site, treated by antibiotics and surgical toilette. Following this event, on the basis of patient's good general conditions and willingness, we started to consider heart transplant as an option. Before the patient was listed, he underwent accurate workup, and we found higher values of forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, and peak expiratory flow, compared with the predicted values of same‐age DMD patients. The patient have neither scoliosis nor need for non‐invasive mechanical ventilation, and finally, he was always treated with steroids with stable thoraco‐abdominal function over the years. According to these considerations, the patient was listed for heart transplant. In 12 February 2020, at the age of 18 years, the patient underwent heart transplant with no post‐operative complications. Cardiac transplantation is not considered a valid option for DMD patients, because of the shortage of donor availability and the systemic nature of DMD disease. Considering that this patient had already experienced an LVAD‐related complication and he had better general condition than his DMD peers, we listed him for a heart transplant. We described the case of a DMD patient who underwent successful heart transplantation after 47 months of HeartWare LVAD assistance. Three months' follow‐up is uneventful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Piperata
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, Department of Cardiology, Thoracic, Vascular, and Public Health Sciences, University of Padua, Via N. Giustiniani, 2, Padua, 35128, Italy
| | - Tomaso Bottio
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, Department of Cardiology, Thoracic, Vascular, and Public Health Sciences, University of Padua, Via N. Giustiniani, 2, Padua, 35128, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Toscano
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, Department of Cardiology, Thoracic, Vascular, and Public Health Sciences, University of Padua, Via N. Giustiniani, 2, Padua, 35128, Italy
| | - Martina Avesani
- Pediatric and Congenital Cardiology Unit, Department of Woman and Child's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Andrea Vianello
- Respiratory Pathophysiology Unit, Cardiology, Thoracic, Vascular, and Public Health Sciences, University of Padua, Via N. Giustiniani, 2, Padua, 35128, Italy
| | - Gino Gerosa
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, Department of Cardiology, Thoracic, Vascular, and Public Health Sciences, University of Padua, Via N. Giustiniani, 2, Padua, 35128, Italy
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9
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Fayssoil A. Managing advanced heart failure in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. PROGRESS IN PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ppedcard.2019.101148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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