The study reports that 34.4% of children who developed dilated cardiomyopathy after myocarditis carried a cardiomyopathy gene variant, compared with 6.3% of control children. The authors say the difference was highly significant. Researchers compared 32 children with both dilated cardiomyopathy and myocarditis to children who had myocarditis without dilated cardiomyopathy and to heart-healthy controls.
Investigators describe a "double hit" model: a pathological cardiomyopathy mutation present from birth is the first hit, and an infection that reaches heart muscle cells is the second hit. The mutations reduce cardiac reserve and increase the chance of heart failure, recurrent myocarditis, and sudden cardiac death.
Steven E. Lipshultz is the corresponding author and a professor at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo. He called the study "a game changer." The genetics work was led by Stephanie Ware. The authors say clinicians who do not test for pathologic mutations will not know which patients face higher risk, and they advise action when testing shows concerning factors.
Difficult words
- dilated cardiomyopathy — enlarged heart disease causing weak heart muscle
- myocarditis — inflammation of the heart muscle
- variant — a different form of a gene
- control — person or group used for comparison in studiescontrol children, controls
- significant — statistically or clearly important in study results
- mutation — a permanent change in the DNA sequencemutations
- cardiac reserve — the heart's extra ability to work under stress
- double hit — two events that together cause a disease
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think doctors should test children with myocarditis for genetic mutations? Why or why not?
- How does the "double hit" idea explain why some children develop heart failure after myocarditis?
Related articles
Why African Men Should Get Tested for Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is a major health issue for African men. Early testing can help improve survival rates.
New device measures blood viscosity in real time
Researchers at the University of Missouri created a non-invasive device that monitors blood viscosity and density in real time using ultrasound and software. It can read blood without drawing samples and may help in diseases like sickle cell.
Emory study: 2023–24 COVID vaccine gives lasting antibodies
Emory University measured antibody responses in 24 people after the 2023–24 monovalent vaccine targeting Omicron XBB.1.5. The study found long-lasting antibodies, cross-reactive protection with the ancestral WA1 strain, and a 2.8-fold boost from immune imprinting.
Philippines Increases Efforts Against African Swine Fever
The Philippines is introducing new technologies to help control African Swine Fever, affecting pigs and their farmers. The government is also importing a vaccine amid concerns about safety.
Indian Black Scorpion Venom and New Antidote Development
Researchers in India are working on an antivenom for the Indian black scorpion, aiming to understand its venom better and improve treatments for scorpion stings.
Nearly 1 Billion People Lack Access to Disability Aids
Almost one billion people with disabilities need better access to assistive technology like wheelchairs and hearing aids. A recent UN report highlights the urgent need for more support in this area.