European Society of Cardiology - New Guidelines

A key source of recommendations, good guidelines are at the heart of best practice. Both the AHA and ESC have just released their new protocols on paediatric & Marfan aortopathy. Here is what we, and our newly appointed advisor, Dr Elena Cervi, have to say:

Both the American Heart Association (AHA) and the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) have recently published new guidelines on the ‘Cardiovascular Management of Aortopathy in Children’ and the ‘Management of Aortic Disease in Children with FBN-1-related Marfan syndrome’ respectively.

These publications update the evidence-based guidelines for paediatric cardiologists caring for children with Marfan syndrome and other connective tissue disorders. The goal is to ensure that all children, regardless of geographical location, are receiving care which reflects current best practice.

The guidelines take a holistic approach and provide guidance on genetic testing, imaging of the aorta, medication and recommendations for sports and activities.

The ESC (2024) highlighted the lack of standardised care for children with MFS across Europe and these two new guidelines will hopefully help to rectify this.

Dr Elena Cervi, Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital, one of our advisors and one of the authors of the ESC guidelines comments:

"We are a group of enthusiastic doctors who have worked on this document with other European Centres. it's allowed us to share our experience and produce guidance to tailor management in young Marfan patients. Our ultimate goal remains to provide standardised and excellent care starting early to promote the best possible quality of life for the years to come. "