title: Congestive heart failure in children.
abstract: Congestive heart failure in children is unusual as a presenting problem, and the nonspecific nature of the signs and symptoms in the pediatric population makes recognition difficult. Congenital heart disease is most common in the infant whereas older children most commonly develop congestive heart failure due to cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, electrolyte abnormalities, dysrhythmias, and, more rarely, endocarditis, and rheumatic carditis. Management focuses upon stabilization of the airway and ventilation while improving circulatory function. This is achieved by the use of inotropic agents, combined with attention to the volume and pressure overload, pulmonary problems, dysrhythmias, and ongoing follow-up.
mesh_terms: D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004077:Digoxin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000150:complications; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000150:complications; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D012121:Respiration, Artificial
chemical_list: D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D004232:Diuretics; D004077:Digoxin