Angela Lorts

Multi-institutional outcomes of Impella use in pediatric patients: A brief communication from the ACTION Network

In this multicenter retrospective study of 150 pediatric patients supported with the Impella device, 89.3% achieved positive clinical outcomes despite a 28% adverse event rate. Findings suggest a potential role for Impella in managing refractory advanced heart failure in children, particularly those with cardiomyopathy, transplant graft dysfunction, or congenital heart disease.

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Cardiac Medication Use in ACTION for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Cardiomyopathy

In a prospective study of 265 males with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, nearly 30% of those with moderate or severe heart dysfunction were not receiving full consensus-directed cardiac therapy, and most did not reach target medication doses—highlighting the need to optimize treatment strategies as cardiac disease becomes a leading cause of death in DMD.

Cardiac Medication Use in ACTION for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Cardiomyopathy Read More »

Improving Pediatric Heart Failure Outcomes Through Collaboration and Innovation: The Current Status of the Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network (ACTION)

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.

Improving Pediatric Heart Failure Outcomes Through Collaboration and Innovation: The Current Status of the Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network (ACTION) Read More »

Bridging gaps in pediatric device development: The power of ACTION – a collaborative learning network

Innovation in pediatric medical devices is limited by financial and regulatory barriers due to the small and heterogenous target population. Intentional design of the ACTION registry has mitigated regulatory and financial barriers to pediatric VAD innovation through the use of real-world evidence gathered through a learning network.

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Outcomes for Children With Congenital Heart Disease Undergoing Ventricular Assist Device Implantation: An ACTION Registry Analysis

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.

Outcomes for Children With Congenital Heart Disease Undergoing Ventricular Assist Device Implantation: An ACTION Registry Analysis Read More »

VADs Device Score

Development and Validation of a Novel Pediatric Mechanical Circulatory Support Risk Stratification Tool: The Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network (ACTION) Ventricular Assist Device Score

The ACTION VADs score for mortality can be calculated easily and offers risk stratification and prognostic information for pediatric VAD candidates. This is the first validated risk assessment tool for pediatric mechanical circulatory support.

Development and Validation of a Novel Pediatric Mechanical Circulatory Support Risk Stratification Tool: The Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network (ACTION) Ventricular Assist Device Score Read More »

Pediatric Learning Health Networks in Solid Organ Transplantation—Engaging all Stakeholders to Achieve Health for Children Who Require Transplantation

ACTION and the Academic Research Consortium (ARC) aimed to harmonize definitions of pediatric and CHD AEs for use in clinical trials, registries, and regulatory evaluation.

Pediatric Learning Health Networks in Solid Organ Transplantation—Engaging all Stakeholders to Achieve Health for Children Who Require Transplantation Read More »

Mechanical Ventilation and Outcomes of Children Who Undergo Ventricular Assist Device Placement: 2014–2020 Linked Analysis From the Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network and Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium Registries

Placement of a ventricular assist device (VAD) improves outcomes in children with advanced heart failure, but adverse events remain important consequences. Preoperative mechanical ventilation (MV) increases mortality, but it is unknown what impact prolonged postoperative MV has.

Mechanical Ventilation and Outcomes of Children Who Undergo Ventricular Assist Device Placement: 2014–2020 Linked Analysis From the Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network and Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium Registries Read More »