Background

Cardiomyopathy (CMP) is a complex disease with heterogenous presentation, encompassing several subtypes such as hypertrophic, dilatated, arrhythmogenic and restrictive CMP. Though rare in pediatric patients, with a incidence of approximately 1 per 100 000 children, CMP carries a significant burden: around 40% of affected children either die or undergo heart transplantation within two years of diagnosis. The etiology of pediatric CMP remains largely unknown and prognostic factors for better outcomes are insufficiently studied, with most data based on adults, highlighting the need for specific pediatric research.

Aims and methods

This project aims to establish a registry of children with any type of CMP to improve diagnosis and to identify contributing prognostic factors. We will compare diagnostic protocols across different centres in Belgium and analyse the diagnostic yield of each approach,  with the ultimate goal of developing a cost-effective protocol. Additionally, we will participate in two ongoing European registries focused on children with hypertrophic and arrhythmogenic CMP contributing to the search for new prognostic factors. Using the registry, we will identify patients with no underlying diagnosis, including those patients with a positive family history or suspected unknown metabolic disorders. In these cases, a multiomic approach will be employed to unravel the cause of the disease.