Clinical profile and outcome of myocarditis in children.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the clinical profile and outcome of myocarditis in children. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Pediatrics, National Institute of Child Health, Karachi, Pakistan. Period: July 2024 to December 2024. Methods: A total of 73 children between 1 months up to 15 years of age, and admitted with myocarditis were analyzed. Demographic details, presenting complaints, and features were noted. Outcomes were noted in the form of survived and discharged successfully, or mortality. Data analysis was conducted by using IBM-SPSS Statistics, Version 26.0. Results: In a total of 73 children, 44 (60.3%) were females. The mean age was 2.0±0.9 years. At the time of presentation, fever (100%), loose motion (28.8%), and difficulty in breathing (21.9%) were the most frequent. Tachycardia, and respiratory distress noted among 71 (97.3%), and 71 (97.3%) children, respectively. During the treatment, ventilatory support, and inotropic support were given to 41 (56.2%), and 72 (98.6%) children, respectively. Mortality was documented among 27 (37.0%) children, whereas 46 (63.0%) children improved and discharged successfully. At the time of presentation, vomiting (0.047), hepatomegaly/splenomegaly (p<0.001), delayed capillary refill time (p<0.001), gallop (p<0.001), hypotension (p<0.001), and signs of shock (p<0.001). Place of admission as PICU (p<0.001), and need for ventilatory support (p<0.001) were also significantly associated with mortality. Conclusion: The high mortality rate in children with myocarditis underscores the need for early recognition of critical symptoms, standardized treatment protocols, and improved diagnostic and therapeutic infrastructure.