Clinical and translational research in pediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery

Abstract

Performing clinical and translational research is a cornerstone for practicing evidence-based medicine. Yet, the majority of current practice in congenital heart disease is not based upon rigorous scientific data. The gold standard for evidence-based practice is the randomized clinical trial. Large, multi-institutional randomized clinical trials have been accomplished in congenital heart disease, including the NHLBI-funded Single Ventricle Reconstruction trial performed by the Pediatric Heart Network. However, many challenges exist to these types of trials, including cost, limited numbers of patients at any single center, and the effort necessary to complete such ambitious projects. Valuable information can also be gained from analyzing large databases and registries, such as the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Database. These databases and registries are facilitated by multi-institutional collaboration.