Inotropic therapy is a well-established practice for children with advanced congestive heart failure (CHF). Inotropes are intravenous medications to help the heart pump stronger and prolong life while awaiting heart transplantation. Traditionally children have been maintained on inotropic therapy in the hospital under close, monitored supervision. The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), which governs organ distribution, has now changed listing criteria allowing patients awaiting heart transplantation to be discharged to home, yet maintaining a higher status on the waiting list. In adults, home inotropic therapy has been shown to be a safe and cost-effective bridge to transplantation. To date, there are no data on the use of home inotropic therapy in children.

Hypothesis:

We request to do a retrospective chart review of patients receiving this therapy to determine safety and efficacy of continuous ambulatory home inotropic therapy in children.