Aortic Valve Replacement in Children

Children and pre-teenage patients below 14 years of age conslitute about 20% of patients presenting with valvular heart disease in developing countries. Cardiac valve replacement in children involves technical, long-term therapeutic ramifications and social problems that are different from those encountered in the adult population requiring valve replacement. Practical problems of durability, anticoagulation in children (especially in developing countries) outgrowing the prosthesis, potential infective endocarditis, compliance of children to treatment and problems related to childbearing in the female patient, are all important aspects and must be taken into consideration when evaluating a child with severe valvular dysfunction requirinig aortic valve replacement.