VVV Study Basics

VVV is a Trial of Variability of Echocardiographic Left Ventricular Mass, Volume and Ejection Fraction in Pediatric Patients with Congestive Cardiomyopathy. The short title for the study is VVV. Echocardiograms are the primary method to evaluate the size of the heart and how it functions. At the present time, healthcare providers do not know how reproducible some of the measurements are, especially in children. This study was done to help us understand why there might be errors in measurements and the true change in heart function values over time. The study began on May 16, 2005 and the last patient was enrolled in July 2007 with 131 individuals enrolled.

Who was in the study?

Individuals who:

• Were less than 22 years of age.
• Had a diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy for more than 2 months.
• Had follow-up at the same institution for 3-13 months after enrollment.
• Were not on the transplant list.
• Were having an echocardiogram done.

What happened during the study?

Each qualified person had data collected on labs, tests and procedures that were done as part of routine clinical care. A second set of measurements were done when each routine echocardiogram was performed during a one year period of time (with at least 3 months in between each test).

What were the results of the study?

As of now, this study has finished enrolling patients but some patients are still being followed. Until all patients have completed the follow-up period, results will not be available. It is thought that the follow-up will end in late 2008.