Cheyne-Stokes respiration is a pattern of alternating central apnea and hyperpnea. It is well described in adults with congestive heart failure, but not in children. We report the case of a 17-year-old boy whose systolic heart failure was complicated by Cheyne-Stokes respiration. He was given supportive therapy until heart transplant, after which his Cheyne-Stokes respiration clinically resolved. Clinicians should be aware of this uncommon condition in pediatric and adolescent patients who have advanced heart failure and irregular breathing.
Keywords: Adolescent; Cheyne-Stokes respiration/physiopathology/therapy; heart failure, systolic/complications; positive-pressure ventilation/adverse effects; risk factors; sleep apnea, central/complications/physiopathology/therapy; treatment outcome.
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