Loading...
Outcome of subsequent pregnancies in patients with a history of peripartum cardiomyopathy
Hilfiker-Kleiner, Denise Haghikia, A. Masuko, David Nonhoff, Justus Held, Dominik Libhaber, Elena Petrie, Mark C. Walker, Niki L. Podewski, Edith Berliner, Dominik
Hilfiker-Kleiner, Denise
Haghikia, A.
Masuko, David
Nonhoff, Justus
Held, Dominik
Libhaber, Elena
Petrie, Mark C.
Walker, Niki L.
Podewski, Edith
Berliner, Dominik
Abstract
Aims: Subsequent pregnancies (SSPs) in patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) have a high risk of heart failure relapse. We report on outcome of SSPs in PPCM patients inGermany, Scotland, and South Africa. Methods and results: Among 34 PPCM patients with a SSP, pregnancy ended prematurely in four patients while it was full-term in 30. Overall relapse rate [left ventricular ejection fraction, (LVEF) < 50% or death after at least 6-month follow-up] was 56% with 12% (4/34) mortality. Relapse of PPCM after SSP was not associated with differences in parity, twin pregnancy, gestational hypertension, or smoking. Persistently reduced LVEF ( < 50%) before entering SSP was present in 47% of patients while full recovery (LVEF ≥50%) was present in 53%. The majority of patients entering SSP with persistently reduced LVEF were of African ethnicity (75%). Persistently reduced LVEF before SSP was associated with higher mortality (25% vs. 0%) and lower rate of full recovery at follow-up. Patients obtaining standard therapy for heart failure and bromocriptine immediately after delivery displayed significantly better LVEF at follow-up and a higher rate of full recovery with no patient dying compared with patients obtaining standard therapy for heart failure alone. This was independent of African or Caucasian race. Conclusion: Full recovery of LVEF before SSP was associated with lower mortality and better cardiac function at follow-up. Addition of bromocriptine to standard therapy for heart failure immediately after delivery was safe and seemed to be associated with a better outcome of SSP in African and Caucasian patients.
Keywords
biomarker, peripartum cardiomyopathy, subsequent pregnancy, therapy
Date
2017
Type
Journal article
Journal
European Journal of Heart Failure
Book
Volume
19
Issue
12
Page Range
1723-1728
Article Number
ACU Department
Collections
Relation URI
DOI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
File Access
Controlled