Assessing muscle loss in children after heart surgery

Muscle Catabolism and Its Impact on Functional Outcomes in Children Following Cardiac Surgery

Boston Children's Hospital · NCT04998643

This study looks at how much muscle kids with congenital heart disease lose after heart surgery to see if it affects their recovery and overall health.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment64 (estimated)
Ages3 Months to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorBoston Children's Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT04998643 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on children with congenital heart disease (CHD) who undergo complex cardiac surgery. It aims to measure changes in lean body mass (LBM) using muscle ultrasound during the first week post-surgery and to evaluate how these changes relate to functional status over the following months. By identifying LBM loss early, the study seeks to facilitate timely interventions that could improve patient outcomes. The relationship between nitrogen balance and LBM changes will also be explored.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 3 months to 18 years diagnosed with congenital heart disease undergoing biventricular conversion.

Not a fit: Patients with muscular dystrophy, lower extremity injuries, or those receiving palliative care may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved recovery strategies for children after cardiac surgery, enhancing their functional outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using muscle ultrasound to assess LBM changes is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding muscle loss in critically ill patients.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. children \> 3 months and \< 18 years old,
2. diagnosed with CHD, and
3. undergoing biventricular conversion.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. diagnosis of muscular dystrophy or myopathy,
2. lower extremity injury or infection during the current hospitalization,
3. enrolled in a concurrent nutritional intervention trial, or
4. admitted for palliative care.

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Congenital Heart Disease, ICU Acquired Weakness, Catabolic State

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.