Evaluating a Myocarditis Panel to Guide Treatment in Children Under 18 with Arrhythmias or Heart Dysfunction

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a combined diagnostic panel including viral genome, bacterial serology, and inflammation markers in managing pediatric patients under 18 years old diagnosed with myocarditis complicated by arrhythmias or ventricular dysfunction. The main focus is to determine if this panel helps resolve arrhythmias or heart muscle problems during hospital stays and follow-up. The study compares patients treated in 2024 without the panel to those in 2025 who received panel-guided care, following recent treatment guidelines including antiviral, antibiotic, or immunosuppressive therapies when needed. Participants include pediatric patients with myocarditis complicated by arrhythmias or left or right ventricular dysfunction. The study involves two groups one managed in 2025 using the diagnostic panel to guide treatment, and another from 2024 managed without the panel. Treatment follows standard care protocols, with additional therapies based on panel results. Management occurs during hospitalization lasting up to 8 weeks. During the study, participants undergo daily routine visits with electrocardiographic and echocardiographic assessments while hospitalized. After discharge, follow-up visits include echocardiograms, ECGs, and blood tests at approximately 40 days and then every 3 months up to six months total. Researchers measure duration of arrhythmias and myocardial dysfunction from enrollment to end of hospitalization, with follow-up monitoring over six months to assess ongoing heart function and recovery.

Efficacy of a Myocardial Panel in the Management and Treatment of Pediatric Myocarditis