DEAR COLLEAGUES,
Pediatric heart failure largely remains uncharted territory in cardiovascular medicine. Advances in management of congenital heart disease and improved recognition of early-onset myocardial disorders are giving new epidemiological relevance to the field, calling for age-specific, evidence-based management. Yet, heart failure in children and adolescents largely remains a data-free zone, often managed by mere adaptation of adult guidelines. Gaps in knowledge among these age groups range from understanding of cardiovascular pharmacology to appropriate use of imaging and devices, reflecting a paucity of research initiatives in pediatric cohorts. Thus, concerted e orts are required, bringing together the best of the two worlds involved: congenital heart disease and genetic cardiomyopathies. These worlds encompass a wide spectrum of complementary and sometimes overlapping expertise, but often fail to meet. Conceived in a unifying and pragmatic perspective, “Advances in Pediatric Heart Failure: Congenital Disease and Cardiomyopathies”, will be held in Florence on 15-17th March 2018. Supported by an unrestricted grant by Fondazione Menarini, the symposium brings together an international, multidisciplinary faculty of experts who will discuss state-of-the-art management of children with heart disease and focus on how to develop translational, evidence-based approaches to pediatric heart failure.
In the tradition of the Florence Advanced Courses on Cardiomyopathies, the program encourages close interaction and informal discussion among basic scientists and health professionals, intended to stimulate debate, maximize interaction and promote networking. Original research will be presented by junior investigators and MiniCourses will be held on the first day to provide concise and practical knowledge base to younger participants.
It gives us great pleasure to invite you to Florence, and we look forward to your participation.
A presto!
SILVIA FAVILLI