Spontaneous coronary artery dissection: aggressive vs. conservative therapy

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare condition that commonly presents as an acute coronary event in the younger population, especially in females of childbearing age. Generally, there is no consensus on the etiology, prognosis, and treatment of SCAD.

METHODS

The Medline database was searched for "spontaneous coronary artery dissection" between 1931 and 2008. A total of 440 cases of SCAD were identified. Demographic data were analyzed with either the Student's t-test or the chi-square test for categorical and nominal variables, respectively. Kaplan-Meier outcome analysis was used to assess the outcome of a given treatment for all patients after 1990.

RESULTS

SCAD was found more commonly in females with 308 (70%) cases. Pregnancy was associated with SCAD in 80 (26.1%) cases. Among pregnant patients, 67 (83.8%) developed SCAD in the postpartum period and 13 (16.2%) patients in the prepartum period. Analysis of treatment modalities showed that 21.2% of the patients who were conservatively managed after the initial diagnosis eventually required surgical or catheter-based intervention compared to 2.5% of patients who were initially treated with an aggressive strategy. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with an isolated single lesion in left or right coronary artery had a statistically significant better outcome when treated with an early aggressive strategy, including coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or stent placement as compared to a conservative strategy (p = 0.023, p = 0.006, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Early intervention with either CABG or percutaneous coronary intervention following the diagnosis of SCAD leads to a better outcome and less need for further intervention.

[Eclampsia, obstetric hemorrhage and heart disease as a cause of maternal mortality in 15 years of analysis]

BACKGROUND

It has been described that 70% of all maternal deaths are provoked by obstetrical hemorrhage, infections, abortions, hypertension and delivery dystocies. Poverty, social exclusion, low level education and violence are important causes of maternal mortality.

OBJECTIVE

To establish the changes in the maternal mortality in a term of 15 years in a hospital of assistance obstetrical complicated.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A retrospective and descriptive study, in which the number and causes of obstetrical death was analyzed, occurred from 1991 to 2005. The comparison was done by five-year periods using descriptive statistics to analyze frequency of results.

RESULTS

The number of maternal deaths was 105, 97 and 42 by each one of the three five-year periods, the mortality rate x 10,000 decreased from 28.7 to 16.4 in the last quinquennium and was found from 6.1 just including the last year. In the first and second quinquennia the eclampsia occupied the first place as cause of death, followed by the hemorrhage and the infections. In the third quinquennium the eclampsia also occupied the first place with a rate of 8.6, followed by the cardiopathy (2.3) and the infections (1.9), but the hemorrhage with a rate of 1.5 was displaced to the fourth place.

CONCLUSIONS

The maternal mortality has diminished in a general way; the eclampsia has occupied the first place as cause of death from 1991 to 2005. The death by obstetrical hemorrhage has diminished in important form, possibly due to the specific groups of medical attention by modules, which has also helps the decrease of mortality by other causes. The increment of the deaths by cardiopathy should be considered as a possibility of risk, associate undoubtedly to the present style of life from our society.

A review of cardiovascular complications of pregnancy

With recent advances in prenatal care, the incidence of direct causes of maternal death has declined and indirect causes have gained significant importance. Thromboembolism, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases are the most common indirect causes of maternal death. Acute myocardial infarction, stroke, venous thromboembolism, peripartum cardiomyopathy aortic dissection and amniotic fluid emboli are responsible for the majority of the maternal deaths from cardiovascular causes. The issue of pregnancy of heart transplant--and Turner syndrome--patients requires extensive research. Obstetricians should possess good knowledge of cardiovascular complications of pregnancy because a high index of suspicion and early diagnosis, together with timely and appropriate interventions may save the life of the fetus and the mother.

Clinical course of high-risk patients diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome

BACKGROUND

The characteristics and the clinical course of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) in high-risk patients that are positive for all three recommended tests that detect the presence of antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies have not been described.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data examined patients referred to Italian Thrombosis Centers that were diagnosed with definite APS and tested positive for aPL [lupus anticoagulant (LA), anti-cardiolipin (aCL), and anti-beta2-glycoprotein I (beta2GPI) antibodies]. Laboratory data were confirmed in a central reference laboratory.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty patients were enrolled in this cohort study. The qualifying events at diagnosis were venous thromboembolism (76 cases; 47.5%), arterial thromboembolism (69 cases; 43.1%) and pregnancy morbidity (11 cases; 9.7%). The remaining four patients (2.5%) suffered from catastrophic APS. The cumulative incidence of thromboembolic events in the follow-up period was 12.2% (95% CI, 9.6-14.8) after 1 year, 26.1% (95% CI, 22.3-29.9) after 5 years and 44.2% (95% CI, 38.6-49.8) after 10 years. This was significantly higher in those patients not taking oral anticoagulants as compared with those on treatment (HR=2.4 95% CI 1.3-4.1; P<0.003). Major bleeding associated with oral anticoagulant therapy was low (0.8% patient/years). Ten patients died (seven were cardiovascular deaths).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with APS and triple positivity for aPL are at high risk of developing future thromboembolic events. Recurrence remains frequent despite the use of oral anticoagulants, which significantly reduces the risk of thromboembolism.

Pattern of heart failure in a Nigerian teaching hospital

BACKGROUND

Congestive cardiac failure (CCF) has emerged as a major public health problem worldwide and imposes an escalating burden on the health care system.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the causes and mortality rate of CCF in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), south Nigeria, over a five-year period from January 2001 to December 2005.

METHODS

A retrospective study of CCF cases were identified from the admission and discharge register of the medical wards of UPTH and the case notes were retrieved from the medical records department and analyzed.

RESULTS

There were 423 patients: 242 males and 181 females. Their ages ranged from 18 to 100 years with a mean of 54.4 +/- 17.3. The commonest causes of CCF were hypertension (56.3%) and cardiomyopathy (12.3%). Chronic renal failure, rheumatic heart disease, and ischemic heart disease accounted for 7.8%, 4.3%, and 0.2% of CCF, respectively. Peripartum heart disease was rare despite being commonly reported in northern Nigerian females. Eighteen patients died from various complications with a mortality rate of 4.3%.

CONCLUSION

The burden of CCF in the Niger Delta is mainly attributed to hypertension. Efforts should be geared towards hypertension awareness, detection, treatment, and prevention in the region.

Poor outcome of indigent patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy in the United States

OBJECTIVE

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) patients from Haiti and South Africa have poor survival and poor left ventricular (LV) function recovery compared with patients from the United States. There are no reported studies of PPCM among the African American population in the United States. We evaluated the prognosis of PPCM in a mostly African American population.

STUDY DESIGN

We analyzed the clinical and echocardiographic data of 44 (39 African American) patients with PPCM over an 11 year period (1992-2003).

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients were indigent and 5 had health insurance. During a mean follow-up of 24.0 (range, 0.1-264) months, 7 (15.9%) patients died and LV function returned to normal in 14 (35%).

CONCLUSION

LV function recovery and survival rates of PPCM patients observed in our study are similar to those reported from Haiti and South Africa and different from what is generally accepted in the United States.

[Eisenmenger syndrome]

Congenital heart disease with left-to-right shunt can induce proliferation, vasoconstriction and thrombosis in the pulmonary vascular bed. Eventually, the patient may develop Eisenmenger syndrome defined as pulmonary arterial hypertension caused by high pulmonary vascular resistance with right-to-left shunt and cyanosis. Patients with Eisenmenger syndrome suffer a high risk of complications in connection with acute medical conditions, extra-cardiac surgery and pregnancy. This article describes the precautions that should be taken to reduce morbidity and mortality in these patients.

[Cardiovascular catastrophes in pregnancy]

Cardiovascular catastrophes (myocardial infarction and stroke occur relatively rarely during pregnancy, but they are menacing complications that frequently result in a fatal outcome. The global pattern of vascular catastrophes determines the need for applying an interdisciplinary approach to this problem and for combining the efforts of different specialists, such as obstetricians, gynecologists, cardiologists, neurologists, and therapists. To study the causes of gestational cardiovascular events and the mechanisms of their development, to devise methods for their diagnosis, prevention, and therapy are a topical problem in the present-day medical practice. The same etiological factors may cause both ischemic and hemorrhagic complications, as well as their coconcomitant forms.

Anticoagulant management of pregnancy following heart valve replacement in the United Kingdom, 1986-2002

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY

Patients with mechanical heart valves require anticoagulation which is associated with significant maternal mortality (1-4%) and fetal complications (31%) in pregnancy. The study aim was to identify anticoagulant protocols and outcomes for pregnant women undergoing heart valve replacement (HVR) in the United Kingdom.

METHODS

Women aged between 18 and 45 years and registered with the United Kingdom Heart Valve Registry (UKHVR) each completed a questionnaire, and their obstetric notes were reviewed. The data analyzed included valve type (mechanical, bioprosthetic, homograft), valve site (mitral, aortic, tricuspid, pulmonary), anticoagulation at confirmation of pregnancy, between 6-12 weeks and from 12 weeks to term, delivery, maternal and fetal outcomes, and cause of death. The summary statistics and a descriptive review of the findings are reported.

RESULTS

Of 2,532 women eligible for the study, 922 responded. Among these women, 72 became pregnant, with 60 pregnancies in the mechanical valve (MV) group and 45 in the tissue valve (TV) group. Three anticoagulation regimes were used during early pregnancy: unfractionated heparin (UFH), low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) or warfarin. All women received warfarin in the second trimester and heparin for delivery. Live births were recorded in 30% of MV pregnancies and in 60% of TV pregnancies. Miscarriage rates differed markedly (37% MV versus 2% TV). Fetal outcome was poorest in the warfarin-only group, with embryopathy occurring at a dose level of 6 mg. The maternal outcomes did not differ significantly among groups. High-dose heparin during the first trimester and for delivery was effective for the majority of mechanical valves.

CONCLUSION

The study results illustrate the diverse and uncertain manner in which UKHVR patients are managed during pregnancy. A national notification system would record much-needed prospective information on anticoagulation and pregnancy outcomes, thus aiding evidence-based management.

Maternal mortality in Bahrain 1987-2004: an audit of causes of avoidable death

The aim of this report was to establish the national maternal mortality rate in Bahrain over the period 1987-2004, to identify preventable factors in maternal deaths and to make recommendations for safe motherhood. There were 60 maternal deaths out of 243 232 deliveries giving an average maternal mortality rate of 24.7 per 100 000 total births. The main causes of death were sickle-cell disease (25.0%), hypertension (18.3%), embolism (13.3%), haemorrhage (13.3%), heart disease (11.7%), infection (8.3%) and other (10.0%). In an audit of care, 17 (28.3%) out of 60 deaths were judged to be avoidable, nearly half of which were due to a shortage of intensive care beds. We recommend that a confidential enquiry of maternal deaths be conducted at the national level every 3 to 5 years.

Cardiac surgery during pregnancy

Cardiovascular adaptations during pregnancy are normally well tolerated in healthy women. However, 2% to 4% of women of childbearing age have some degree of concomitant heart disease, and these changes may compromise cardiac function. Of these, a few who do not respond to medical treatment may require surgical correction. In this setting, maternal mortality rate has improved to levels similar to those in non-pregnant counterparts. However, the fetal mortality rate remains high (up to 33%). Factors contributing to high fetal mortality rates include the timing of the operation, the urgency of the operation, and the fetal/fetoplacental response to cardiopulmonary bypass. Modulation of the fetoplacental response to cardiopulmonary bypass may prevent placental dysfunction and sustained uterine contractions, which underlie fetal hypoxia and acidosis.In this article, we review cardiovascular adaptations to pregnancy and the pathophysiologic effects of cardiopulmonary bypass on the mother, fetus, and fetoplacental unit, and we talk about whether manipulation of these responses can help in improving fetal outcome. Finally, approaches regarding perfusion management and off-pump cardiac surgical techniques in pregnancy are discussed.

Maternal mortality due to arterial hypertension in São Paulo City (1995-1999)

AIM

To describe the case profile of maternal death resulting from hypertensive disorders in pregnancy and to propose measures for its reduction.

METHODS

The Committee on Maternal Mortality of São Paulo City has identified 609 cases of obstetric maternal death between 1995 and 1999 with an underreporting rate of 52.2% and a maternal mortality rate of 56.7/100,000 live births. Arterial hypertension was the main cause of maternal death, corresponding to 142 (23.3%) cases.

RESULTS

Ninety-five (66.9%) of the deaths occurred during the puerperal period and 34 (23.9%) occurred during pregnancy. The time of death was not reported in 13 (9.2%) cases. Seizures were observed in 41 cases and magnesium sulfate was used in four of them. The causes of death were ruled to be cerebrovascular accident (44.4%), acute pulmonary edema (24.6%), and coagulopathies (14.1%). Cesarean section was performed in 85 (59.9%) cases and vaginal delivery in 15 (16.0%).

CONCLUSION

Complications of arterial hypertension are responsible for the high rates of pregnancy-related maternal death in São Paulo City. Quality prenatal care and appropriate monitoring of the hypertensive pregnant patient during and after delivery are important measures for better control of this condition and are essential to reduce disorders in pregnancy.

Pregnancy outcomes in women with chronic hypertension: a population-based study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the pregnancy outcomes associated with maternal chronic hypertension.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective, population-based cohort study of maternal and infant discharge records linked to birth records in California from 1991 to 2001 were examined for demographics and pregnancy outcomes, and comparisons were made between those with and without chronic hypertension. One randomly selected pregnancy per subject was included.

RESULTS

The number of women who delivered with chronic hypertension (0.69% incidence) was 29,842. As compared to non-chronic hypertensive patients, fetal and neonatal mortality and in-hospital maternal mortality were increased (ORs and 95% CIs 2.3, (2.1, 2.6); 2.3, (2.0, 2.7); and 4.8, (3.1, 7.6) respectively). Major maternal morbidity was increased: stroke, OR 5.3, (3.7, 7.5); renal failure, OR 6.0, (4.4, 8.1); pulmonary edema, OR 5.2, (3.9, 6.7); severe preeclampsia, OR 2.7, (2.5, 2.9); and placental abruption OR 2.1, (2.0, 2.3). Neonatal morbidity was increased as well: fetal growth restriction, OR 4.9, (4.7, 5.2); prematurity, OR 3.2, (3.1, 3.3); low birth weight, OR 5.4, (5.2, 5.5); very low birth weight, OR 6.5, (6.2, 6.8); and respiratory distress syndrome, OR 4.0, (3.8, 4.2).

CONCLUSION

Pregnant women with chronic hypertension have significantly increased risks of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Women with this condition should be treated as high risk with appropriate maternal and fetal surveillance.

An International Benchmarking Collaboration: Measuring Outcomes for the Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To implement a set of clinical indicators to benchmark outcomes for women suffering from the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

METHODS

Seven clinical indicators were designed and applied retrospectively to data collected from two tertiary referral centres, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia and British Columbia Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver BC, for all women coded as hypertensive during pregnancy under the International Classification of Disease (ICD-10) coding system in the years 2002-2004. Diagnostic categories were assigned using the Australasian Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy criteria, expressed in equivalent Canadian terms drawn from the Report of the Canadian Hypertension Society Consensus. Comparisons were made using the established clinical indicators. Data analysis using chi-square comparison was performed with significance set at P < 0.05. Seven outcome measures of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity were compared.

RESULTS

Significant areas of difference between the two tertiary referral centres were seen in birth weights below the 10th centile (RPA 11% vs. BCW 20%; P < 0.05) and below the 3rd centile (RPA 1.5% vs. BCW 7.5%; P < 0.001). There were significantly more episodes of maternal pulmonary edema at BCW than at RPA (0.1% and 1.2%, respectively; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Between similar centres, clinically significant differences in outcomes for HDP were identified. Further evaluation of differences may lead to analysis of possible contributors such as expectant versus urgent delivery management policies, rigidity of blood pressure control, and choice of antihypertensive drug.

[Clinical analysis of 206 pregnant patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze 206 cases of pregnant women with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) due to different primary diseases and the prognosis.

METHOD

A retrospective study was conducted of 206 cases of pregnant women with MODS who were treated during January 2000 to December 2006 in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical College, regarding their primary disease and prognosis.

RESULTS

Fourty-four cases among the 206 pregnant women with MODS died. The main primary causes were postpartum hemorrhage in 63 cases (30.6%), severe preeclampsia or eclampsia 60 cases (29.1%), pregnancy with hepatitis C in 23 cases (11.2%), pregnancy with heart disease in 11 cases (5.3%), 12 cases of ectopic pregnancy (5.8%). The mortality was mainly because of pregnancy complicated with heart disease (63.6%), ectopic pregnancy (41.7%), pregnancy with hepatitis (22.7%), of postpartum hemorrhage (17.5%) and severe preeclampsia-eclampsia (11.7%). The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Primary diseases leading to pregnancy complicated with MODS are mainly due to obstetric factors, accounting for 65.05%. However, dysfunction of different organs can result in a significant difference in mortality, mortality from primary diseases of the heart and brain were higher. It is suggested that preventative and therapeutic measures should be taken according to different primary disease organs.

[Morbidity regularity of severe complications of hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy in clinics]

OBJECTIVE

To analyse incidence of the severe complications of hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy and the influence on the outcome of pregnancy.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 4107 cases among 71 020 cases who delivered in hospitals from 1995 to 2004 in Guangzhou was conducted.

RESULTS

The morbidity of hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy was 5.78%, in which the morbidity of severe pre-eclampsia was 27.78% (1141/4107), of mitis pre-eclampsia was 72.22% (2966/4107). Maternal mortality rate was 0.19% (8/4107), and the specific mortality rate was 11.26/100 000. The proportion of severe complications of hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy from high to low was as follows: placental abruption 1.68% (69/4107), DIC 1.36% (56/4107), hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy induced cardiopathy (induced cardiopathy) 1.05% (43/4107), renal failure 0.97% (40/4107), cerebrovascular accident 0.58% (24/4107), and hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet (HELLP) syndrome 0.51% (21/4107). Mortality caused by severe complications of hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy were as follows: cerebrovascular accident 17% (4/24), HELLP syndrome 10% (2/21), DIC 5% (3/56) and induced cardiopathy 2% (1/43). The proportion of perinatal mortality from severe complications were as follows: placental abruption 43% (33/77), HELLP syndrome 42% (10/24), DIC 34% (22/64), renal failure 25% (11/44), cerebro vascular accident 24% (6/25) and induced cardiopathy 16% (8/49).

CONCLUSIONS

(1) The morbidity of severe complications from high to low are: placental abruption, DIC, induced cardiopathy, renal failure, cerebro vascular accident and HELLP syndrome. (2) The main causes of mortality for gravida and puerperant are: cerebro vascular accident, HELLP syndrome, DIC and induced cardiopathy. (3) The major complications harmful to perinatal newborns are in the order of: placental abruption, HELLP syndrome, DIC, renal failure, cerebro vascular accident and induced cardiopathy.

Incidence, mortality, and racial differences in peripartum cardiomyopathy

There are no large population-based studies on the incidence and prognosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PC). Between 1996 and 2005, there were 241,497 deliveries within the Southern California Kaiser healthcare system. Among these, we identified 60 cases of PC by searching for an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition diagnosis of heart failure (HF) and detailed chart review. PC was confirmed if all of the following criteria were satisfied: (1) left ventricular ejection fraction <0.50, (2) met the Framingham criteria for HF, (3) new symptoms of HF or initial echocardiographic diagnosis of left ventricular dysfunction occurred in the month before or in the 5 months after delivery, and (4) no alternative cause of HF could be identified. The overall incidence of PC was 1 in 4,025 deliveries. The incidence in whites, African-Americans, Hispanics, and Asians was 1 of 4,075, 1 of 1,421, 1 of 9,861, and 1 of 2,675 deliveries, respectively. The incidence of PC was greatest in African-Americans, which was 2.9-fold higher compared with whites (p = 0.03) and 7-fold that of Hispanics (p <0.001). With a mean follow-up of 4.7 years, the freedom from all-cause death was 96.7% by the Kaplan-Meier method. In conclusion, this large population-based study highlights important racial differences in the incidence of PC. We observed the lowest incidence of PC in Hispanics and the highest in African-Americans. Our findings also suggest that the current mortality associated with PC may be less than reported in older series, perhaps because of the high utilization of modern HF therapy.

Bleeding events and other complications during pregnancy and childbirth in women with von Willebrand disease

BACKGROUND

Case reports and case series suggest that women with von Willebrand disease (VWD) are at an increased risk of bleeding complications during pregnancy and delivery.

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the incidence of bleeding events and other complications in women with VWD during pregnancy and childbirth.

METHODS

The United States Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality for the years 2000-2003 was queried for all pregnancy-related discharges. Women with a diagnosis of VWD were compared with women without VWD. Data were analyzed based on the NIS sampling design. Logistic regression was used to compute odds ratios with 95% CI.

RESULTS

There were 4067 deliveries among women with VWD (1 in 4000 deliveries). Although women with VWD were more likely to experience antepartum bleeding [odds ratio (OR) 10.2, 95% CI: 7.1, 14.6], they were no more likely to experience premature labor, placental abruption, fetal growth restriction or intrauterine fetal demise. Women with VWD were more likely to experience a postpartum hemorrhage (OR, 1.5; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.0), and had a 5-fold increased risk of being transfused (OR, 4.7; 95% CI: 3.2, 7.0). Five of the 4067 women with VWD died, a maternal mortality rate 10 times higher than that for other women.

CONCLUSIONS

Although women with VWD do not appear to be at an increased risk of poor fetal outcomes, they are at an increased risk of bleeding events and possibly death during pregnancy and childbirth.

HEART DISEASE IN PREGNANCY 2: Congenital Heart Disease in Pregnancy

Congenital heart disease has become more prevalent in women of childbearing age and represents about 75% of the heart disease seen in pregnancy. Close monitoring by both obstetricians and cardiologists is advisable for women with complex heart disease, and pregnancy should still be considered contraindicated in several types of congenital heart disease. Women should also be advised of the risk that their offspring may be affected. Women at increased risk for a cardiac event in pregnancy include those with a prior cardiac event or arrhythmia, NYHA functional class > II or cyanosis, left heart obstruction, and systemic ventricular dysfunction. In the absence of adverse predictors, however, women with congenital heart disease can be assured that pregnancy does not pose a significant risk to their health.

Long QT syndrome and pregnancy

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to investigate the clinical course of women with long QT syndrome (LQTS) throughout their potential childbearing years.

BACKGROUND

Only limited data exist regarding the risks associated with pregnancy in women with LQTS.

METHODS

The risk of experiencing an adverse cardiac event, including syncope, aborted cardiac arrest, and sudden death, during and after pregnancy was analyzed for women who had their first birth from 1980 to 2003 (n = 391). Time-dependent Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard methods were used to evaluate the risk of cardiac events during different peripartum periods.

RESULTS

Compared with a time period before a woman's first conception, the pregnancy time was associated with a reduced risk of cardiac events (hazard ratio [HR] 0.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10 to 0.76, p = 0.01), whereas the 9-month postpartum time had an increased risk (HR 2.7, 95% CI 1.8 to 4.3, p < 0.001). After the 9-month postpartum period, the risk was similar to the period before the first conception (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.5, p = 0.70). Genotype analysis (n = 153) showed that women with the LQT2 genotype were more likely to experience a cardiac event than women with the LQT1 or LQT3 genotype. The cardiac event risk during the high-risk postpartum period was reduced among women using beta-blocker therapy (HR 0.34, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.84, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Women with LQTS have a reduced risk for cardiac events during pregnancy, but an increased risk during the 9-month postpartum period, especially among women with the LQT2 genotype. Beta-blockers were associated with a reduction in cardiac events during the high-risk postpartum time period.

Pregnancy-related deaths due to pulmonary embolism in Sweden

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to report deaths from amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) and pregnancy-related venous thromboembolism (VTE), to study contributing factors, and to analyse mortality trends.

METHODS

Using the Swedish Cause of Death Register (CDR), we identified all women aged 15-44, who died during 1990-1999, with VTE or AFE coded as the underlying or contributory cause of death. We scrutinised medical records, and women who had died during pregnancy or within 6 weeks of terminated pregnancy were included. We also used data from the Medical Birth Register (MBR) on incident and fatal cases. Mortality data from the 1970s and 1980s were based on previous studies, in which cases were identified through register linkage (CDR and MBR).

RESULTS

Five women died of AFE and 10 of VTE - 6 in early pregnancy - during the 1990 s. Five of the cases were not registered as maternal deaths. Only 4 cases were reported as pregnancy-related deaths from pulmonary embolism (PE). Cesarean section/surgery without thromboprophylaxis, overweight, severe intercurrent disease, delays in seeking health care, and verbal miscommunication were contributing factors in the VTE cases. VTE mortality rates (pregnancy >28 weeks and/or a registered birth) were 1.0 (0.5-1.8), 0.8 (0.3-1.6), and 0.4 (0.1-1.0) per 100,000 live births during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990 s, respectively; the corresponding respective figures for AFE were 1.0 (0.5-1.8), 1.1 (0.6-2.1), and 0.5 (0.2-1.1) per 100,000 live births. The case fatality rate for VTE decreased from 4.5% in the 1970s, to 0.6% in the 1990 s, paralleled with quadrupled incidence. The case fatality rate for AFE was unaltered and high, around 45%, during those 3 decades.

CONCLUSIONS

Mortality from pregnancy-related PE in Sweden is in the lowest range ever reported, and shows a downward trend during the 1990 s, with a shift towards early pregnancy. In order to monitor mortality trends, death certificate quality must improve, and registers must be linked routinely.