Research in Pediatric Cardiology

Congenital heart defects (CHD) occur in approximately 40,000 individuals in the United States each year. Although improved care has had a significant effect in reducing the overall infant mortality rate over the past 40 years, CHD is still responsible for 30 to 50% of mortality caused by birth defects among infants and young children. Pediatric cardiovascular research over the past century has resulted in improved life and survival for millions of children globally. Clinical research in pediatric cardiology continues to be underappreciated and underfunded, yet it has enormous implications for cardiovascular health and healthcare over the entire life course. We must identify current gaps and future research opportunities to reduce morbidity and mortality related to congenital heart disease across the life span by bringing together clinicians and experts in epidemiology, data science, translational research, ethics, and biobanking to brainstorm about the optimal research approaches to decrease morbidity and mortality. The continuing importance of this research cannot be overstated. We focus on advances in clinical and epidemiological pediatric cardiovascular research as well as in quality, safety, and whole child outcomes research. A roadmap for future directions based on gaps in knowledge and proven methods of successful implementation is presented.