日本小児循環器学会総会・学術集会

The most common indication for heart transplantation in children is heart failure as a consequence of dilated cardiomyopathy. Unfortunately, heart failure outcomes from children still lag behind that of adults, supporting ongoing pre-clinical and clinical research in this patient population. While mitochondrial dysfunction is known to contribute to heart failure in adults, less is known about the role of mitochondria in pediatric heart failure. Mitochondrial targeted therapies have also been shown to be beneficial in adult heart failure yet remain underexplored in children. The objectives of this talk will be: (1) review existing literature regarding the current state of the field regarding mitochondrial function in children suffering from heart failure with a focus on dilated cardiomyopathy, and (2) discuss mitochondria as a potential target of heart failure therapy in children. Focused study of the mechanisms involved in pediatric heart failure are critical in order to identify novel therapeutic targets.