The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases in Children With Acute Inflammatory Cardiomyopathy

All children who present with signs and symptoms of myocarditis and have laboratory findings consistent with cardiomyopathy will be eligible. After prospective consent, all subjects will receive: (1) a complete physical examination, (2) complete transthoracic echocardiogram to better characterize the disease process. Follow-up echocardiograms will be performed at 24-72 hours after admission into the protocol and at discharge from the hospital. Approximately 2 teaspoons of blood will be drawn at: (1) enrollment, (2) 24 hours after, (3) 72 hours after, (4) and at hospital discharge. Those subjects that receive a heart transplant will have blood drawn at the time of transplantation. For those that have a cardiac catheterization or have a muscle biopsy as part of their standard of care, will also have a biopsy of their right ventricle performed.

Data to be collected: Minimum patient demographic data (age, sex, ethnic origin), vital signs, clinical course events/data (i.e. need for dialysis, length of stay, surgical time points, etc), diagnostic test results (EKGs, ECHOs, etc), significant medical history data, and standard of care laboratory results.

The investigator wishes to evaluate the relationship of this data with the patient's diagnosis, clinical course, and serum levels of MMP and TIMP proteinases.