267 - CCS/CPCA GUIDELINE ON THE PRESENTATION, DIAGNOSIS AND MEDICAL MANAGEMENT OF HEART FAILURE IN CHILDREN

Co-Chair(s)

• 

  Aamir Jeewa, MB BCh

  Sickkids
• JC

  Jennifer Conway, MD, MSc

  Pediatric Cardiologist - Heart Function and Transplant

Presenter(s)

• JC

  Jennifer Conway, MD, MSc

  Pediatric Cardiologist - Heart Function and Transplant
• 

  Jenna Ashkanase, MD

  Pediatric Cardiologist
  McMaster Children's Hospital
  McMaster University
• CC

  Carlos Cuello-Garcia, MD, PhD

  Assistant Professor
  McMaster University
• 

  Aamir Jeewa, MB BCh

  Sickkids
• 

  Paul Kantor, MBBCh. MSc.

  Chief, Division of Cardiology
  University of Southern California, Children's Hospital Los Angeles
  University of Southern California

Moderator(s)

• CG

  Carolyn Gall Casey, BASc

  Director Guidelines and Knowledge Translation
  Canadian Cardiovascular Society

Planning Committee Member(s)

• JC

  Jennifer Conway, MD, MSc

  Pediatric Cardiologist - Heart Function and Transplant
• 

  Aamir Jeewa, MB BCh

  Sickkids

Workshop Description: This workshop provides a comprehensive overview of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) and Canadian Pediatric Cardiology Association (CPCA) guideline on the presentation, diagnosis, and medical management of heart failure (HF) in children. Pediatric heart failure presents unique challenges, particularly in early recognition due to non-specific symptoms in infants and children. Participants will learn to identify the clinical features and symptomatology of pediatric HF, enabling timely and accurate diagnosis.

The session will cover the recommended diagnostic approach outlined in the CCS/CPCA guideline, emphasizing the importance of early and thorough cardiac evaluation. Attendees will be guided through evidence-based strategies for the early medical management of pediatric HF, including initial treatment, ongoing assessment, and follow-up care to optimize patient outcomes.

Presentations

• Methodology - Carlos Cuella-Garcia
  
• Use of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) - Prognostic use of BNP - Genetic testing - Jennifer Conway
  
• Strategies for diuretic initiation - Guideline directed medical therapy (GDMT) - Jenna Ashkanase
  
• Choice of inotropic and vasoactive agents for acute support - Monitoring strategies including the role of pulmonary artery catheters - Aamir Jeewa
  
• Timing for initiating durable ventricular assist device (VAD) support - Jenna Ashkanase
  
• Use of temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) - Indications and timing for left atrial decompression in children supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) - Aamir Jeewa
  
• Practical considerations, future directions - Paul Kantor

  Learning Objectives:

  At the end of this session participants will be able to:

  • identify clinical presentations of heart failure in children and recognize key signs and symptoms warranting urgent cardiac evaluation;
  • describe the diagnostic workup recommended by the CCS/CPCA guideline for pediatric heart failure; and
  • apply evidence-based principles of early medical management and follow-up care for children with heart failure.