Abstract
Introduction: Cardiomyopathy (CMP) is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a disease of the
myocardium associated with cardiac dysfunction. An understanding of CMP is very important, as it is a common
cause of heart failure in children, and the most common indication for heart transplantation in children older than
one year, but data on CMP in Egypt are scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the number, risk factors,
clinical presentation, complications and outcome of different types of childhood cardiomyopathies in Sohag
University Hospital.
Methods: This cross-sectional hospital based study enrolled fifty children with Cardiomyopathy in Pediatric
Departments, Neonatal Care Units, and Cardiac Outpatient Clinics in Sohag University Hospital from March 01,
2014 to February 28, 2015.
Results: Cases with Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCMP) were 38 (76%), and those who had Hypertrophic
Cardiomyopathy (HCMP) were 12 (24%). Dyspnea was the most common presenting complaint in 71% of cases.
In cases with DCMP, the mean EF was 33.8, and FS was 17.11, while in cases with HCMP, the mean EF was
70.75, FS was 37. Fifty percent of cases were found to have moderate to severe PHT. Serum CK-MB was
elevated in 3 (6%) cases, while serum Troponin I was elevated in 2 (4.2%) cases who diagnosed as having
myocarditis. Viral myocarditis was the most common identified etiological agent responsible for 14 (37%) cases
with DCMP.
Conclusions: CMP represents a considerable percentage of children with cardiac disorders. DCMP is the most
common type, usually presented with congestive heart failure, and the most common cause is myocarditis. LCarnitine
profile was normal in all cases, despite its routine use. Pediatricians need to raise their clinical suspicion
to CMPs, as atypical presentations are not uncommon. To do screening for other family members, cardiac
enzymes (CK-MB, Troponin I) have to be done in all newly diagnosed CMP cases, along with a revision of the
routine prescription of L-Carnitine.