Objective: To study the heart function in children with pneumonia. Methods: Ejecting fraction (EF)

fraction shortening ( FS)

systolic time interval ( STI)

E peak

isovolumic relaxation time ( IVRT)

peak flow velocity of pulmonary( PFVP) and peak flow velocity of tricuspid E wave ( PFVET) were measured in 30 cases of severe pneumonia with congestive heart failure diagnosed by clinical criteria with echocardiography. The reontgenograhy

E~

the heart enzymes

serum and urinary ~xlium

plasma and urinary osmolality and the plasma antidiuretic hormone( ADH)were also detected in those cases. Results : Significant differences of EF

PS

STI

E peak

LVRT and PFVTE were seen in 7/30 patients

P<0. 01 and P<0. 05

they were associated with abnormal ECG and the heart enzymes. There is no significant difference of EF

PS

STI

E peak

IVRT

PFVP and PFVTE in 23 other patients. The roentgenogram

EGG and the heart enzymes in these 23 cases were normal

in which 13 patients had hyponatremia

hypo - osmolality

elevated urinary sodium

osmolality and plasma ADH. The syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone( SIADH) was confirmed in these 13 patients. The other 10/23 patients were associated with respiratory failure. Conclusu.m : According to the detection of the heart function

the daignosis of heart failure with pneumonia by clinical manifestions were not accurate and should be considered with caution.