Abstract
Adult patients on left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support have increased morbidity and mortality after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. There are no reported clinical data describing outcomes among pediatric patients on ventricular assist device (VAD) support infected with SARS-CoV-2. We conducted a retrospective study using the Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network (ACTION) registry to evaluate patient characteristics and clinical outcomes after SARS-CoV-2 infection. A total of 22 children on VAD support (median age at infection 10.6 years) from 16 centers tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Cardiomyopathy (59.1%) and congenital heart disease (40.9%) were the most common primary diagnoses. The type of support included LVAD in 19 (86.4%), biventricular assist device (BIVAD) in one (4.5%), and single ventricle VAD in two (9%) patients. At the time of infection, 50% were outpatients, 23% were inpatients on a general cardiology floor, and 27% were in the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU). Most patients (82%) were symptomatic at time of diagnosis, but only 13% required escalation of respiratory support, and 31% received SARS-CoV-2 therapies. Notably, no mortality occurred, and significant morbidity was rare after SARS-CoV-2 infection in pediatric patients on VAD support.
This ACTION study was published online ahead of print on October 23, 2023 in the ASAIO Journal. Congratulations to the authors:
- Diana M. Torpoco Rivera
- Anna Joong
- Nikita D’Souza
- Toni Duganiero
- Angela Lorts
- Joseph A. Spinner
- ACTION Learning Network Investigators
CITATION
Torpoco Rivera, Diana M.*; Joong, Anna†; D’Souza, Nikita‡; Duganiero, Toni‡; Lorts, Angela‡; Spinner, Joseph A.§; on behalf of the ACTION Learning Network Investigators. Clinical Outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Pediatric Patients on Ventricular Assist Device Support: An Action Registry Analysis. ASAIO Journal ():10.1097/MAT.0000000000002080, October 23, 2023. | DOI: 10.1097/MAT.0000000000002080
