In contrast to adult heart failure, the pathophysiology of the development of myocardial dysfunction and heart failure in children is poorly understood. For example, traditional β-blocking agents have a clear benefit in the treatment of heart failure in adults but for pediatric patients, there is no demonstrated clinical benefit. To address this unmet need of this population, CU researchers - led by Dr. Brian Stauffer - have developed a method of treating heart failure in pediatric patients using a β1-selective adrenergic receptor antagonist such as Nebivolol. A benefit of using a more selective antagonist is minimal inhibition of the β2 receptor, which protects against cellular apoptosis and which is important for augmentation of muscle contractile function.