Innovative Therapies and Emerging Strategies in Pediatric Heart Failure Management

Pediatric cardiology is witnessing a transformation in the management and prognosis of heart failure among children, a condition marked by significant clinical heterogeneity and risk. This syndrome affects young patients with congenital heart defects, cardiomyopathies, myocarditis, neuromuscular disorders, metabolic conditions, and those recovering from cardiac surgery. Recent developments in diagnostic modalities, including genetic analysis, advanced imaging techniques, biomarker profiling, and detailed hemodynamic assessments, have enabled more accurate classification of heart failure in pediatric populations. At the same time, innovative therapeutic approaches such as tailored medical therapy, catheter-based procedures, and the expanded use of mechanical circulatory support are improving survival and quality of life. Despite these advances, there are still critical gaps in applying precision diagnostics to real-world clinical decision-making and in addressing the best ways to individualize treatment and standardize care.This Research Topic seeks to gather innovative research that forges direct links between advanced diagnostic tools and the practical management of pediatric heart failure. The central goal is to clarify how contemporary evidence can inform patient-specific clinical pathways, particularly in the selection and timing of interventions such as mechanical circulatory support and transplantation. We encourage submissions that explore the implementation, safety, and outcomes of emerging diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, such as artificial intelligence applications in imaging, integration of multi-omics data, and insights gained from large-scale clinical registries. The aim is to provide a platform for clinical and translational studies that help refine practice and empower clinicians to deliver the most effective and individualized care possible.The scope of this Research Topic is centered on progress in diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic intervention for pediatric heart failure with a focus on personalizing management strategies. Articles may address a variety of themes relevant to the current landscape, including but not limited to the following areas:• Etiology-specific management for cardiomyopathies, myocarditis, congenital heart disease, and metabolic or mitochondrial conditions• Approaches to risk stratification using genetics, biomarkers, imaging modalities, and invasive hemodynamics• Acute decompensated heart failure and cardiogenic shock, including escalation strategies, intensive care protocols, and clinical decision support• Advanced mechanical circulatory support, with considerations for patient selection, timing of initiation, technical approaches, and specific strategies for unloading the left ventricle• Risk assessment and management of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in pediatric heart failure populations• Strategies for transplant evaluation, bridging, and the assessment of outcomes after transplantation• Long-term outcomes such as thrombosis, neurological complications, infection risk, rehabilitation, and quality of life in survivors• Contributions from multicenter registries, the implementation of clinical guidelines, and actions to improve equity and access to advanced heart failure therapiesWe encourage the submission of original research articles, comprehensive reviews, case studies, and perspectives that contribute to the advancement of pediatric heart failure management. Topic editors: Rachele Adorisio, Iacopo Olivotto, David Rosenthal Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77751/innovative-therapies-and-emerging-strategies-in-pediatric-heart-failure-management