Relapse of VAD Infections After Stopping Anti-infective Therapies in Children Using Berlin Heart EXCOR

What this Trial Is About

Heart failure is a serious health issue in children that can lead to death or serious illness. Heart transplantation can improve outcomes for severe cases, but the number of available transplants is limited. Mechanical circulatory support, such as the Berlin Heart EXCOR device, provides important long-term support for children awaiting heart recovery or transplantation. However, infections remain a common and serious complication during this support. The Berlin Heart EXCOR is a specialized device that acts like an artificial heart pump, helping the heart by moving blood from the ventricle to major arteries. This device is not fully implanted inside the body and comes in various sizes suitable for children. This observational study focuses on children under 18 years old who are using the Berlin Heart EXCOR at a specific hospital in France. Researchers are examining infections related to this device, especially looking at what happens when anti-infective therapies are stopped. Participants will be monitored for infection relapse within three months after stopping anti-infective treatments. The study observes how infections return and collects medical data related to infection management in children using the device. This helps researchers understand the risks and outcomes associated with stopping infection treatments during mechanical circulatory support. The study period is organized to track infections and patient health outcomes over time.

Complications in Pediatric Mechanical Circulatory Assistance: Evaluation of Infection Management.