Potential role of ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10) in pediatric cardiomyopathy

Pediatric cardiomyopathy (PCM) represents a group of rare and heterogeneous disorders that often results in death. While there is a large body of literature on adult cardiomyopathy, all of the information is not necessarily relevant to children with PCM. About 40% of children who present with symptomatic cardiomyopathy are reported to receive a heart transplant or die within the first two years of life. In spite of some of the advances in the management of PCM, the data shows that the time to transplantation or death has not improved during the past 35 years. Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like nutrient that has a fundamental role in mitochondrial function, especially as it relates to the production of energy (ATP) and also as an antioxidant. Based upon the biochemical rationale and a large body of data on patients with adult cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and mitochondrial diseases with heart involvement, a role for coenzyme Q10 therapy in PCM patients is indicated, and preliminary results are promising. Additional studies on the potential usefulness of coenzyme Q10 supplementation as an adjunct to conventional therapy in PCM, particularly in children with dilated cardiomyopathy, are therefore warranted.