Low cardiac output syndrome in children

Clinicians caring for critically ill children will commonly encounter low cardiac output states, especially after cardiac surgery. Anticipation and prevention can go some way to reducing morbidity and mortality. This article outlines the causes and assessment of this syndrome. Management strategies are discussed aimed at improving cardiac output by optimisation of left- and right-ventricle preload and afterload. Pharmacological strategies utilising well-established as well as new agents are outlined. Non-pharmacological strategies are presented, as well as methods of reducing the adverse effects of low cardiac output on the child.