Bedside predictors of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in children with suspected infection undergoing cardiac ultrasound

The authors aimed to identify bedside markers commonly used in pediatric sepsis assessments that are associated with reduced left ventricular systolic function in children with suspected infections undergoing cardiac ultrasound. Their study found that systolic hypotension and prolonged capillary refill time were significantly associated with reduced left ventricular function, while tachycardia, altered mental status, and high-risk conditions were not. These findings suggest that specific bedside markers may aid in the early evaluation of myocardial dysfunction in this patient population.