Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in children is a progressive disease with
high morbidity and mortality; we studied the clinical presentation and their outcome
with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Methods: retrospective study of medical
records of patients diagnosed and follows up with dilated cardiomyopathy in cardiac
clinic Tripoli children hospital from December 2006 till December 2010, follow up
period from one day to four years. They were 45 patients (one patient excluded CHD)
underwent clinical examination, chest X ray, ECG, and echocardiograph. Sex, age at
presentation and mode of therapy all were analyzed. Results: total number of patients
was 45 patients one patient excluded. Male to female ratio was 1.5 : 1, 60% males,
40% females, 32 patients ≤ 12 months 73 % (of these 75%, 24 cases were less than 6
months). The majority of cases presented with heart failure, eleven patients died 25%
(73%, 8 cases, diseased during the first 12 months). Males had poor prognosis.
Conclusion: the risk age group was first 12 months of age, males had poor prognosis,
and this disease needs more study to explore the causes and early management to
avoid high mortality in this age groups.
keywords: dilated cardiomyopathy, echocardiograph, Libya.