This ACTION registry study of 812 children on paracorporeal VADs found that one-third experienced infectious adverse events, which were associated with worse survival. Overlapping device support and smaller body size emerged as independent risk factors for infection.
This ACTION registry analysis of 94 children with heart failure found no difference in 30-day readmission or mortality whether beta-blockers were started during an inpatient admission or in the outpatient setting. The findings suggest both approaches are safe, though larger datasets are needed to confirm them.
Safety of Inpatient and Outpatient Beta Blocker Initiation in Pediatric Heart Failure Read More »
A new multicenter study suggests SGLT2 inhibitors — a diabetes drug class — may offer a well-tolerated way to modestly improve heart function in kids with dystrophin-deficient cardiomyopathy.
In this ACTION registry analysis of pediatric VAD recipients, patients bridged to transplant candidacy (rather than already listed at implant) faced significantly higher rates of major adverse events, on-device mortality, and lower rates of successful transplantation compared to bridge-to-transplant patients.
This multicenter analysis shows bivalirudin is an effective alternative to heparin for anticoagulation in pediatric mechanical circulatory support, with comparable bleeding and stroke outcomes.
We hope you are enjoying your summer vacations and finding time to rest and rejuvenate with your families! ACTION has been busy with new publications, tools, resources, and projects (see links and features below). We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new VAD Adverse Event Definitions! These new and updated definitions will help us capture events more accurately and efficiently. The DCC also streamlined fields, improved forms, and added instructional text throughout to make data entry easier and faster. Thanks to all those who worked on this important project! Lastly, we are now taking proposals for ISHLT 2026, see more details below on the submission process.
The Pulse — Aug 2025 Read More »
This multicenter study of 367 children from the ACTION network found that 78% had a positive outcome with paracorporeal continuous flow (pCF) mechanical support. Children with congenital heart disease had lower success rates and higher mortality than those without CHD.
Through the collection and use of real-world data, the field has gained greater understanding of best practices in care of these patients, as well as improved access to devices with pediatric labeling of devices previously approved only for adults. Recent and current work across the network’s major focus areas (VAD, heart failure, muscular dystrophy, and Fontan) are highlighted.
The use of VADs in pediatric restrictive and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is rare, but this ACTION multi-center registry analysis highlights that support is feasible, particularly in children with RCM. While the majority of patients were successfully bridged to transplant, outcomes were poorer in HCM patients, especially those requiring BiVAD support.
CHD patients are more likely in extremis at VAD implantation and experience higher rates of adverse events and worse survival compared to those with non-CHD. Timely referral for patients with CHD experiencing worsening heart failure and a proactive approach to VAD implantation has the potential to improve outcomes for this vulnerable cohort.
