IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-8-6-19781 Original Research Paper DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY IN YOUNG ADULTS – CHALLENGES AND OUTCOME SANDHYA SUNDARARAJAN Dr. DR. NANDAKUMARAN M. Dr. June 2019 8 6 01 02 ABSTRACT

Background: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) refers to a heterogenous group of disorders affecting the myocardium characterized by progressive ventricular dilation and dysfunction. Clinical profile, echocardiographic profile, prognosis and outcomes were assessed in 61 patients with DCM between 18 and 40 years of age and were periodically reviewed and followed up at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. Results: Mean age was 30.9 ± 6.87 years. Among the 61 patients, there was a dominance of males (68.8%) over females (31.2%). On follow up, 7 patients (11.5%) had died; 5 (8.2%) had undergone heart transplantation; 31 patients (50.8%) had persistent left ventricular (LV) dysfunction; 6 (9.8%) had complete recovery and 12 (19.7%) had partial recovery of left ventricular systolic function. Overall survival at 1 year was 88.5%. Conclusion: DCM has variable clinical course. Early diagnosis and optimal therapy improves symptoms and survival.