Cardiac angiogenic imbalance leads to peripartum cardiomyopathy. Nature. 2012;485:333-338. [PMID: 22596155 PMCID: PMC3356917 DOI: 10.1038/nature11040]

Angiogenic Factors and Long-Term Cardiovascular Risk in Women That Developed Preeclampsia During Pregnancy

Preeclampsia is caused by placental impairment with increased expression of sFlt-1 (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1) and decreased PlGF (placental growth factor); it has been associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality later in life, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether sFlt-1 and PlGF levels during preeclampsia are associated to long-term cardiovascular risk. We prospectively recruited 43 women with previous preeclampsia and 21 controls with uncomplicated pregnancies. Cardiovascular risk assessment ≈12 years later included maternal hemodynamic, cardiac function and structure, biomarker analysis, and carotid-intima thickness evaluation. Women with previous preeclampsia had higher prevalence of hypertensive disorders and dyslipidemia than controls. In addition, they had worse global longitudinal strain, thicker left ventricular septal and posterior walls, more myocardial mass and increased carotid intima-media thickness compared with controls. PlGF during pregnancy correlated positively with high-density lipoprotein (r=0.341; P=0.006), and negatively with global longitudinal strain (r=-0.581; P<0.001), carotid intima-media thickness (r=-0.251; P=0.045), and mean arterial blood pressure (r=-0.252; P=0.045), when adjusted by study group. sFlt correlated negatively with high-density lipoprotein (r=-0.372; P=0.002) and apolipoprotein A-1 (r=-0.257; P=0.040), and positively with carotid intima-media thickness (r=0.269; P=0.032) and left ventricular posterior wall thickness (r=0.368; P=0.003). The antiangiogenic state present in preeclampsia is related to greater prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors ≈12 years after delivery. The knowledge of altered angiogenic factors may help detect women with a higher risk for premature cardiovascular disease, who will require earlier follow-up after delivery.

Burden, predictors and short-term outcomes of peripartum cardiomyopathy in a black African cohort

Background

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is an idiopathic cardiomyopathy presenting with acute heart failure during the peripartum period. It is common in patients of African ancestry. Currently, there is paucity of data on the burden, predictors and outcomes of PPCM in Uganda. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, predictors and six-month outcomes of PPCM in an adult cohort attending a tertiary specialised cardiology centre in Kampala, Uganda.

Methods

This study consecutively enrolled 236 women presenting with features of acute heart failure in the peripartum period. Clinical evaluation and echocardiography were performed on all the enrolled women. PCCM was defined according to recommendations of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology Working Group on PPCM. Poor outcome at six months of follow-up was defined as presence of any of the following: death of a mother or her baby, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III-IV or failure to achieve complete recovery of left ventricular function (left ventricular ejection fraction ≤55%).

Results

The median age, BMI and parity of the study participants was 31.5 (25.5–38.0) years, 28.3 (26.4–29.7) and 3 (2–4) respectively. The prevalence of PPCM was 17.4% (n = 41/236). Multiple pregnancy was the only predictor of PPCM in this study population (OR 4.3 95% CI 1.16–16.05, p = 0.029). Poor outcome at six-months was observed in about 54% of the patients with PPCM (n = 4, 9.8% in NYHA functional class III-IV and n = 22, 53.7% with LVEF <55%). No maternal or foetal mortality was documented.

Conclusion

PPCM is relatively common in Uganda and is associated with multiple pregnancy. Poor outcomes especially absence of complete recovery of left ventricular function are also common. Large studies to further investigate long-term maternal and foetal outcomes in Uganda are justified.

Distinct expression profiles of peptides in placentae from preeclampsia and normal pregnancies

This study sought to identify potential bioactive peptides from the placenta that are involved in preeclampsia (PE) to obtain information about the prediction, diagnosis and treatment of PE. The liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to perform a comparative analysis of placental peptides in normal and PE pregnancies. Gene ontology (GO), pathway analysis and ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) were used to evaluate the underlying biological function of the differential peptides based on their protein precursors. Transwell assays and qPCR were used to study the effect of the identified bioactive peptides on the function of HTR-8/SVneo cells. A total of 392 upregulated peptides and 420 downregulated peptides were identified (absolute fold change ≥ 2 and adjusted P value < 0.05). The GO analysis, pathway analysis, and IPA revealed that these differentially expressed peptides play a role in PE. In addition, the up-regulated peptide “DQSATALHFLGRVANPLSTA” derived from Angiotensinogen exhibited effect on the invasiveness of HTR-8/SVneo cells. The current preliminary research not only provides a new research direction for studying the pathogenesis of PE, but also brings new insights for the prediction, diagnosis and treatment of PE.

Cardiomyopathies in Pregnancy: Etiologies and Management Strategies

The cardiomyopathies are a diverse group of disorders characterized by structural abnormalities of heart muscle, many of which have a genetic component. They are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality in pregnancy. We review the distinct forms of cardiomyopathy (dilated, hypertrophic, and functional) which can be seen during pregnancy, discuss complications associated with each distinct group such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and transmission to offspring, and address management strategies for stable and unstable patients.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy with preeclampsia in a parturient: A case report with literature review

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare disease of unknown cause that affects women of childbearing age. A high index of suspicion should be maintained in the pregnant and peripartum woman who presents with sudden cardiac decompensation without any prior history of cardiac disease. The diagnosis can be confirmed with echocardiographic evidence of global left ventricular dysfunction. Timely diagnosis and institution of therapy for heart failure can avoid adverse outcomes in a parturient with PPCM. In this case report, we describe the management of primigravida presenting to the hospital's emergency department with acute cardiac failure and respiratory distress due to PPCM. The case also highlights that though preeclampsia and PPCM are two separate entities, these can coexist in the same parturient due to the common pathophysiological mechanism. In the review, the recommended medical management of heart failure in PPCM with the “BOARD” (Bromocriptine, Oral heart failure drugs, Anticoagulants, Vasorelaxing agents, and Diuretics) scheme is discussed.

Unveiling the Mystery of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: A Traditional Review

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) can be classified as a variant of dilated cardiomyopathy identified usually within the first five months of delivery or during the last month of pregnancy. This condition presents as systolic heart failure. PPCM affects thousands of women in the United States each year. Even though it was first noticed in the 1800s, its etiology remains unknown. This study aims to review the pathophysiology and management of PPCM and explore the possible outcomes of peripartum cardiomyopathy. PPCM can lead to maternal death if diagnosis or treatment is delayed. Diagnosing PPCM has been challenging because it can be misdiagnosed or perceived as a sign of pregnancy since most of the symptoms of PPCM strongly match those within the typical pregnancy continuum and postpartum cycle. Patients' implications are fatal and carry a high mortality rate when PPCM is misdiagnosed or treatment is delayed. To accurately identify PPCM, using echocardiography, the left ventricular end-diastolic size and the ejection fraction should be measured to determine the severity of PPCM. Managing peripartum cardiomyopathy involves using traditional treatments for heart failure. Therapeutic recommendations are made depending on the patient's status (pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum) while considering the drug-safety profiles before administration. Some other treatments have also been used to control PPCM depending on how severe it has become; for example, antiarrhythmics have been used to treat cardiac arrhythmias when they ensue. In extreme cases, mechanical assistance and transplantation could be required. Based on the proposed pathophysiology involving the 16kDA anti-angiogenic sub-fragment, bromocriptine may be used even though it still needs more assessment due to limited evidence.

Using PubMed as a major search resource, a thorough analysis of publications was carried out after incorporating this review's inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 455,141 publications were found using keywords and keyword combinations. With a careful selection of articles, 31 publications provided relevant information on our primary endpoint. All articles in this examination were chosen without limitation to the type of study, including clinical trials, review articles, meta-analyses, and so on. Our review suggests that, based on factors such as early detection and management, disease severity, ethnicity, and quality of patient care, patients with PPCM presented different outcomes and prognosis. However, despite PPCM's high mortality rate and its risk of recurrence, most patients tend to recover within six months of disease onset.

Flavin adenine dinucleotide ameliorates hypertensive vascular remodeling via activating short chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase

AIMS

Flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), participates in fatty acid β oxidation as a cofactor, which has been confirmed to enhance SCAD activity and expression. However, the role of FAD on hypertensive vascular remodeling is unclear. In this study, we investigated the underlying mechanisms of FAD on vascular remodeling and endothelial homeostasis.

MAIN METHODS

Morphological examination of vascular remodeling were analyzed with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, Verhoeff's Van Gieson (EVG) staing, Dihydroethidium (DHE) staining and Sirius red staining. HUVECs apoptotic rate was detected by flow cytometry and HUVECs reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by DHE-probe. Enzymatic reactions were used to detect SCAD enzyme activity. The protein level was detected by Western Blots, the mRNA level was detected by quantitative real-time PCR.

KEY FINDINGS

In vivo experiments, FAD significantly decreased blood pressure and ameliorated vascular remodeling by increasing SCAD expression, Nitric Oxide (NO) production and reducing ROS production. In vitro experiments, FAD protected against the tBHP induced injury in HUVEC, by increasing the activity of SCAD, increasing the elimination of free fatty acid (FFA), scavenging ROS, reducing apoptotic rate, thereby improving endothelial cell function.

SIGNIFICANCE

FAD has a new possibility for preventing and treating hypertensive vascular remodeling.

Cardiac Damage in Anthracyclines Therapy: Focus on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Significance: Despite their serious side effects, anthracyclines (ANTs) are the most prescribed chemotherapeutic drugs because of their strong efficacy in both solid and hematological tumors. A major limitation to ANTs clinical application is the severe cardiotoxicity observed both acutely and chronically. The mechanism underlying cardiac dysfunction under chemotherapy is mainly dependent on the generation of oxidative stress and systemic inflammation, both of which lead to progressive cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Recent Advances: Over the years, the iatrogenic ANTs-induced cardiotoxicity was believed to be simply given by iron metabolism and reactive oxygen species production; however, several experimental data indicate that ANTs may use alternative damaging mechanisms, such as topoisomerase 2β inhibition, inflammation, pyroptosis, immunometabolism, and autophagy. Critical Issues: In this review, we aimed at discussing ANTs-induced cardiac injury from different points of view, updating and focusing on oxidative stress and inflammation, since these pathways are not exclusive or independent from each other but they together importantly contribute to the complexity of ANTs-induced multifactorial cardiotoxicity. Future Directions: A deeper understanding of the mechanistic signaling leading to ANTs side effects could reveal crucial targeting molecules, thus representing strategic knowledge to promote better therapeutic efficacy and lower cardiotoxicity during clinical application.

Vascular Cardio-Oncology: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor inhibitors and hypertension

Since the formation of new blood vessels is essential for tumour growth and metastatic spread, inhibition of angiogenesis by targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway is an effective strategy for various types of cancer, most importantly renal cell carcinoma, thyroid cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, VEGF inhibitors have serious side effects, most importantly hypertension and nephropathy. In case of fulminant hypertension, this may only be handled by lowering the dosage since the blood pressure rise is proportional to the amount of VEGF inhibition. These effects pathophysiologically and clinically resemble the most severe complication of pregnancy, preeclampsia, in which case an insufficient placenta leads to a rise in sFlt-1 levels causing a decrease in VEGF availability. Due to this overlap, studies in preeclampsia may provide important information for VEGF inhibitor-induced toxicity and vice versa. In both VEGF inhibitor-induced toxicity and preeclampsia, endothelin (ET)-1 appears to be a pivotal player. In this review, after briefly summarizing the anticancer effects, we discuss the mechanisms that potentially underlie the unwanted effects of VEGF inhibitors, focusing on ET-1, nitric oxide and oxidative stress, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and rarefaction. Given the salt sensitivity of this phenomenon, as well as the beneficial effects of aspirin in preeclampsia and cancer, we next provide novel treatment options for VEGF inhibitor-induced toxicity, including salt restriction, ET receptor blockade, and cyclo-oxygenase inhibition, in addition to classical antihypertensive and renoprotective drugs. We conclude with the recommendation of therapeutic drug monitoring to improve patient outcome.

Human-induced pluripotent stem cells for modelling metabolic perturbations and impaired bioenergetics underlying cardiomyopathies

Normal cardiac contractile and relaxation functions are critically dependent on a continuous energy supply. Accordingly, metabolic perturbations and impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics with subsequent disruption of ATP production underpin a wide variety of cardiac diseases, including diabetic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, anthracycline cardiomyopathy, peripartum cardiomyopathy, and mitochondrial cardiomyopathies. Crucially, there are no specific treatments for preventing the onset or progression of these cardiomyopathies to heart failure, one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Therefore, new treatments are needed to target the metabolic disturbances and impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics underlying these cardiomyopathies in order to improve health outcomes in these patients. However, investigation of the underlying mechanisms and the identification of novel therapeutic targets have been hampered by the lack of appropriate animal disease models. Furthermore, interspecies variation precludes the use of animal models for studying certain disorders, whereas patient-derived primary cell lines have limited lifespan and availability. Fortunately, the discovery of human-induced pluripotent stem cells has provided a promising tool for modelling cardiomyopathies via human heart tissue in a dish. In this review article, we highlight the use of patient-derived iPSCs for studying the pathogenesis underlying cardiomyopathies associated with metabolic perturbations and impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics, as the ability of iPSCs for self-renewal and differentiation makes them an ideal platform for investigating disease pathogenesis in a controlled in vitro environment. Continuing progress will help elucidate novel mechanistic pathways, and discover novel therapies for preventing the onset and progression of heart failure, thereby advancing a new era of personalized therapeutics for improving health outcomes in patients with cardiomyopathy.

Pregnancy-associated cardiac dysfunction and the regulatory role of microRNAs

Many crucial cardiovascular adaptations occur in the body during pregnancy to ensure successful gestation. Maladaptation of the cardiovascular system during pregnancy can lead to complications that promote cardiac dysfunction and may lead to heart failure (HF). About 12% of pregnancy-related deaths in the USA have been attributed to HF and the detrimental effects of cardiovascular complications on the heart can be long-lasting, pre-disposing the mother to HF later in life. Indeed, cardiovascular complications such as gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and peripartum cardiomyopathy have been shown to induce cardiac metabolic dysfunction, oxidative stress, fibrosis, apoptosis, and diastolic and systolic dysfunction in the hearts of pregnant women, all of which are hallmarks of HF. The exact etiology and cardiac pathophysiology of pregnancy-related complications is not yet fully deciphered. Furthermore, diagnosis of cardiac dysfunction in pregnancy is often made only after clinical symptoms are already present, thus necessitating the need for novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Mounting data demonstrates an altered expression of maternal circulating miRNAs during pregnancy affected by cardiovascular complications. Throughout the past decade, miRNAs have become of growing interest as modulators and biomarkers of pathophysiology, diagnosis, and prognosis in cardiac dysfunction. While the association between pregnancy-related cardiovascular complications and cardiac dysfunction or HF is becoming increasingly evident, the roles of miRNA-mediated regulation herein remain poorly understood. Therefore, this review will summarize current reports on pregnancy-related cardiovascular complications that may lead to cardiac dysfunction and HF during and after pregnancy in previously healthy women, with a focus on the pathophysiological role of miRNAs.

Probenecid treatment improves outcomes in a novel mouse model of peripartum cardiomyopathy

Probenecid has been used for decades in the treatment of gout but recently has also been found to improve outcomes in patients with heart failure via stimulation of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 2 (TRPV2) channel in cardiomyocytes. This study tested the use of probenecid on a novel mouse model of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) as a potential treatment option. A human mutation of the human heat shock protein 20 (Hsp20-S10F) in mice has been recently shown to result in cardiomyopathy, when exposed to pregnancies. Treatment with either probenecid or control sucrose water was initiated after the first pregnancy in both wild type and Hsp20-S10F mice. Serial echocardiography was performed during subsequent pregnancies and hearts were collected after the third pregnancies for staining and molecular analysis. Hsp20-S10F mice treated with probenecid had decreased mortality, hypertrophy, TRPV2 expression and molecular parameters of heart failure. Probenecid treatment also decreased apoptosis as evidenced by an increase in the level of Bcl-2/Bax. Probenecid improved survival in a novel mouse model of PPCM and may be an appropriate therapy for humans with PPCM as it has a proven safety and tolerability in patients with heart failure.

Anthracycline and Peripartum Cardiomyopathies

Anthracycline-associated cardiomyopathy and peripartum cardiomyopathy are nonischemic cardiomyopathies that often afflict previously healthy young patients; both diseases have been well described since at least the 1970s and both occur in the settings of predictable stressors (ie, cancer treatment and pregnancy). Despite this, the precise mechanisms and the ability to reliably predict who exactly will go on to develop cardiomyopathy and heart failure in the face of anthracycline exposure or childbirth have proven elusive. For both cardiomyopathies, recent advances in basic and molecular sciences have illuminated the complex balance between cardiomyocyte and endothelial homeostasis via 3 broad pathways: reactive oxidative stress, interference in apoptosis/growth/metabolism, and angiogenic imbalance. These advances have already shown potential for specific, disease-altering therapies, and as our mechanistic knowledge continues to evolve, further clinical successes are expected to follow.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in peripartum cardiomyopathy: A review of the ELSO Registry

AIMS

Data on the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for cardiogenic shock in peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is limited. We queried the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) Registry for PPCM patients treated with ECMO in order to characterize demographic and clinical features, complications, survival, and variables associated with mortality.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This was a retrospective review of patients voluntarily entered into the ELSO Registry. De-identified data was collected on patients with a diagnosis of PPCM based on ICD-9/ICD-10 coding who received ECMO between 2007 and 2019. Collected data included demographics, ECMO mode, cannulation strategies, pre-ECMO ventilator, biochemical, and hemodynamic parameters, run duration, complications, and survival to wean off ECMO and hospital discharge. Our primary outcome measure was survival to discharge. In the final analysis, 88 veno-arterial (VA) ECMO patients were included. Overall, 72% of patients were weaned off ECMO, including 10% who were weaned to ventricular assist device or heart transplantation, and 64% survived to hospital discharge. Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) was performed in 11% of patients with 60% survival. Factors associated with decreased survival included neurologic complications (p = 0.03), specifically central nervous system hemorrhage (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Our review is the largest to date of PPCM patients supported with VA ECMO for cardiogenic shock. ECMO and ECPR are valuable forms of short-term mechanical circulatory support with acceptable mortality profiles for PPCM patients who remain refractory to aggressive medical management. Complications should be meticulously avoided, especially neurologic complications.

ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 212: Pregnancy and Heart Disease

Maternal heart disease has emerged as a major threat to safe motherhood and women's long-term cardiovascular health. In the United States, disease and dysfunction of the heart and vascular system as "cardiovascular disease" is now the leading cause of death in pregnant women and women in the postpartum period () accounting for 4.23 deaths per 100,000 live births, a rate almost twice that of the United Kingdom (). The most recent data indicate that cardiovascular diseases constitute 26.5% of U.S. pregnancy-related deaths (). Of further concern are the disparities in cardiovascular disease outcomes, with higher rates of morbidity and mortality among nonwhite and lower-income women. Contributing factors include barriers to prepregnancy cardiovascular disease assessment, missed opportunities to identify cardiovascular disease risk factors during prenatal care, gaps in high-risk intrapartum care, and delays in recognition of cardiovascular disease symptoms during the puerperium. The purpose of this document is to 1) describe the prevalence and effect of heart disease among pregnant and postpartum women; 2) provide guidance for early antepartum and postpartum risk factor identification and modification; 3) outline common cardiovascular disorders that cause morbidity and mortality during pregnancy and the puerperium; 4) describe recommendations for care for pregnant and postpartum women with preexisting or new-onset acquired heart disease; and 5) present a comprehensive interpregnancy care plan for women with heart disease.

Effect of high-dose folic acid supplementation on the prevention of preeclampsia in twin pregnancy

Objective: To determine the efficacy of high-dose folic acid for the prevention of preeclampsia in twin pregnancies.Methods: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial in 70 obstetrical sites in Argentina, Australia, Canada, Jamaica, and the UK between 2011 and 2015. Eligible women pregnant with twins who were aged 18 y or older and between 8 and 16 completed weeks' gestation were randomized between to receive daily high-dose folic acid (4.0-5.1 mg) or placebo. The primary outcome was preeclampsia, presenting as hypertension after 20 weeks' gestation with significant proteinuria. Secondary outcomes included severe preeclampsia, preterm birth, and adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes.Results: Of 2464 participants randomized between 18 April 2011 and 14 December 2015, 462 (18.8%) had a confirmed twin pregnancy. Thirty-four of these participants withdrew consent or did not have primary outcome data available, and 428 women were analyzed. The rate of preeclampsia was significantly higher in the folic acid group compared to the placebo group in crude analyses (17.2 versus 9.9%; relative risk 1.75 [95% CI 1.06-2.88], p = .029). Multivariable analyses attenuated this effect, rendering it not statistically significant (RR 1.58 [95% CI 0.95-2.63], p = .079).Conclusion: High-dose folic acid supplementation was not significantly associated with preeclampsia in a subgroup of twin pregnancies. Although a suggested elevated risk cannot be confirmed, these results may help to gain novel insights in the etiology of preeclampsia, which continues to be poorly understood.Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01355159.

The Role of Multimodality Cardiovascular Imaging in Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

The burden of pregnancy-related heart disease has dramatically increased over the last decades due to the increasing age at first pregnancy and higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Pregnancy is associated with physiological changes in the cardiovascular system, including hemodynamic, metabolic, and hormonal adaptations to meet the increased metabolic demands of the mother and fetus. It has been postulated that pregnancy may act as a cardiovascular stress test to identify women at high risk for heart disease, where the inability to adequately adapt to the physiologic stress of pregnancy may reveal the presence of genetic susceptibility to cardiovascular disease or accelerate the phenotypic expression of both inherited and acquired heart diseases, such as peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). PPCM is a rare and incompletely understood clinical condition. Despite recent advances in the understanding of its pathogenesis, PPCM is not attributable to a well-defined pathological mechanism, and therefore, its diagnosis still relies on the exclusion of overlapping dilated phenotypes. Cardiac imaging plays a key role in any peripartum woman with signs and symptoms of heart failure in establishing the diagnosis, ruling out life-threatening complications, guiding therapy and conveying prognostic information. Echocardiography represents the first-line imaging technique, given its robust diagnostic yield and its favorable cost-effectiveness. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance is a biologically safe high-throughput modality that allows accurate morpho-functional assessment of the cardiovascular system in addition to the unique asset of myocardial tissue characterization as a pivotal piece of information in the pathophysiological puzzle of PPCM. In this review, we will highlight current evidence on the role of multimodality imaging in the differential diagnosis, prognostic assessment, and understanding of the pathophysiological basis of PPCM.

MicroRNA-206 predicts raised fetal growth retardation risk through the interaction with vascular endothelial growth factor in pregnancies

This study aimed to investigate the correlation of microRNA (miR)-206, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and miR-206/VEGF axis at different gestational ages with fetal growth retardation (FGR) risk in pregnancies.Eight hundred twenty pregnancies were consecutively recruited and their plasma samples were collected at early pregnancy (gestational age ≤ 13 weeks), middle pregnancy (gestational age: 14-27 weeks) and late pregnancy (gestational age ≥ 28 weeks), respectively. miR-206 expression and VEGF level in plasma were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay respectively. FGR was diagnosed based on the actual birth weight of fetus.miR-206 expression was negatively correlated with VEGF expression at early pregnancy, middle pregnancy and late pregnancy. Besides, miR-206 expression and miR-206/VEGF axis were elevated, but VEGF expression was decreased along with the increased gestational age. There were 74 FGR pregnancies and 746 non-FGR pregnancies. And both miR-206 expression and miR-206/VEGF axis were increased, but VEGF expression was reduced in FGR group compared to non-FGR group at early pregnancy, middle pregnancy and late pregnancy. Additionally, miR-206, VEGF and miR-206/VEGF axis at middle pregnancy and late pregnancy all showed good predictive values for FGR risk, and these indexes at late pregnancy exhibited the numerically highest predictive value for FGR risk. Furthermore, compared to miR-206 or VEGF alone, miR-206/VEGF axis presented with numerically higher predictive value for FGR risk.miR-206 predicts raised FGR risk through the interaction with VEGF in pregnancies, and it may serve as a novel biomarker for FGR prevention.

Multiple Levels of PGC-1α Dysregulation in Heart Failure

Metabolic adaption is crucial for the heart to sustain its contractile activity under various physiological and pathological conditions. At the molecular level, the changes in energy demand impinge on the expression of genes encoding for metabolic enzymes. Among the major components of an intricate transcriptional circuitry, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α) plays a critical role as a metabolic sensor, which is responsible for the fine-tuning of transcriptional responses to a plethora of stimuli. Cumulative evidence suggests that energetic impairment in heart failure is largely attributed to the dysregulation of PGC-1α. In this review, we summarize recent studies revealing how PGC-1α is regulated by a multitude of mechanisms, operating at different regulatory levels, which include epigenetic regulation, the expression of variants, post-transcriptional inhibition, and post-translational modifications. We further discuss how the PGC-1α regulatory cascade can be impaired in the failing heart.

Incidence, clinical characteristics, and risk factors of peripartum cardiomyopathy in Nigeria: results from the PEACE Registry

Aims

The aim of this study was to describe the incidence, clinical characteristics and risk factors of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) in Nigeria.

Methods and Results

The study was conducted in 22 hospitals in Nigeria, and PPCM patients were consecutively recruited between June 2017 and March 2018. To determine factors associated with PPCM, the patients were compared with apparently healthy women who recently delivered, as controls. Four hundred six patients were compared with 99 controls. The incidence and disease burden (based on the rate of consecutive recruitment of subjects) varied widely between the six geographical zones of Nigeria. From the North–West zone, 72.3% of the patients was recruited, where an incidence as high as 1 per 96 live births was obtained in a centre, while the disease was uncommon (7.6% of all recruited patients) in the South. Majority of the patients (76.6%) and controls (74.8%) (p = 0.694) were of Hausa–Fulani ethnic group. Atrial fibrillation, intracardiac thrombus, stroke, and right ventricular systolic dysfunction were found in 1.7%, 6.4%, 2.2%, and 54.9% of the patients, respectively. Lack of formal education (odds ratio [OR] 3.08, 95% confidence interval [1.71, 5.53]; P < 0.001), unemployment (OR: 3.28 [2.05, 5.24]; P < 0.001), underweight (OR: 13.43 [4.17, 43.21]; P < 0.001) and history of pre‐eclampsia (OR: 9.01 [2.18, 37.75]; P = 0.002) emerged as independent PPCM risk factors using regression models. Customary hot baths (OR: 1.24 [0.80, 1.93]; P = 0.344), pap enriched with dried lake salt (OR: 1.20 [0.74, 1.94]; P = 0.451), and Hausa–Fulani ethnicity (OR: 1.11 [0.67, 1.84]; P = 0.698) did not achieve significance as PPCM risk factors.

Conclusions

In Nigeria, the burden of PPCM was greatest in the North–West zone, which has the highest known incidence. PPCM was predicted by sociodemographic factors and pre‐eclampsia, which should be considered in its control at population level. Postpartum customary birth practices and Hausa–Fulani ethnicity were not associated with PPCM in Nigeria.

Gracillin inhibits apoptosis and inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to alleviate cardiac injury in mice via improving miR-29a

Sepsis induces critical myocardial dysfunction, resulting in an increased mortality. Gracillin (GRA) is a natural steroidal saponin, showing strong capacities of anti-inflammation, but its pharmacological effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute cardiac injury still remain unclear. In this study, we attempted to explore if GRA was effective to attenuate cardiac injury in LPS-challenged mice and the underlying mechanisms. First, we found that GRA treatments markedly up-regulated the expression of miR-29a in cardiomyocytes. LPS-induced cytotoxicity in cardiomyocytes was significantly alleviated by GRA treatment, as evidenced by the improved cell viability and reduced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. In addition, LPS-triggered apoptotic cell death was clearly ameliorated in cardiomyocytes co-treated with GRA. Notably, LPS-exposed cells showed significantly reduced expression of miR-29a, while being rescued by GRA treatment. In vivo, LPS apparently impaired cardiac function in mice, which was, however, alleviated by GRA administration. In addition, GRA markedly attenuated apoptosis in hearts of LPS-challenged mice by decreasing the expression of cleaved Caspase-3. LPS-triggered inflammatory response in cardiac tissues was also suppressed by GRA through blocking nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. We also found that miR-29a expression was highly reduced in hearts of LPS-treated mice but was rescued by GRA pretreatment. Besides, miR-29a mimic alleviated LPS-induced apoptosis and inflammation in cardiomyocytes; however, LPS-caused effects were further accelerated by miR-29a. Of note, the protective effects of GRA on LPS-injured cardiac tissues were significantly abrogated by miR-29a suppression. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that GRA exerted an effective role against LPS-induced acute cardiac injury through impeding apoptosis and inflammation regulated by miR-29a.

Sphingolipid Mediators of Myocardial Pathology

Cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. While the causes of cardiomyopathy continue to be elucidated, current evidence suggests that aberrant bioactive lipid signaling plays a crucial role as a component of cardiac pathophysiology. Sphingolipids have been implicated in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease, as they regulate numerous cellular processes that occur in primary and secondary cardiomyopathies. Experimental evidence gathered over the last few decades from both in vitro and in vivo model systems indicates that inhibitors of sphingolipid synthesis attenuate a variety of cardiomyopathic symptoms. In this review, we focus on various cardiomyopathies in which sphingolipids have been implicated and the potential therapeutic benefits that could be gained by targeting sphingolipid metabolism.

Cardio-Oncology: Vascular and Metabolic Perspectives: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Cardio-oncology has organically developed as a new discipline within cardiovascular medicine as a result of the cardiac and vascular adverse sequelae of the major advances in cancer treatment. Patients with cancer and cancer survivors are at increased risk of vascular disease for a number of reasons. First, many new cancer therapies, including several targeted therapies, are associated with vascular and metabolic complications. Second, cancer itself serves as a risk factor for vascular disease, especially by increasing the risk for thromboembolic events. Finally, recent data suggest that common modifiable and genetic risk factors predispose to both malignancies and cardiovascular disease. Vascular complications in patients with cancer represent a new challenge for the clinician and a new frontier for research and investigation. Indeed, vascular sequelae of novel targeted therapies may provide insights into vascular signaling in humans. Clinically, emerging challenges are best addressed by a multidisciplinary approach in which cardiovascular medicine specialists and vascular biologists work closely with oncologists in the care of patients with cancer and cancer survivors. This novel approach realizes the goal of providing superior care through the creation of cardio-oncology consultative services and the training of a new generation of cardiovascular specialists with a broad understanding of cancer treatments.

Cardiac hypertrophy with obesity is augmented after pregnancy in C57BL/6 mice

BACKGROUND

Over a third of reproductive-age women in the USA are obese, and the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is rising in premenopausal women. Cardiac hypertrophy is an independent predictor of CVD. In contrast to pregnancy, where transiently increased left ventricular (LV) mass is not associated with cardiac damage, obesity-mediated cardiac hypertrophy is pathological. There is a paucity of data describing the effect of obesity during pregnancy on maternal cardiovascular health. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term effect of obesity during pregnancy on cardiac function and structure in mice.

METHODS

Female C57BL/6 J mice were fed a high-fat (HF) or a low-fat (LF) diet for 20 weeks. After 4 weeks, LF- and HF-fed female mice were either crossed with males to become pregnant or remained non-pregnant controls. Following delivery, pups were euthanized, and females maintained on respective diets. After 20 weeks of diet feeding, cardiac function was quantified by echocardiography, and plasma leptin and adiponectin concentrations quantified in LF- and HF-fed postpartum and nulliparous females. mRNA abundance of genes regulating cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling was quantified from left ventricles using the NanoString nCounter Analysis System. Cardiac fibrosis was assessed from picrosirius red staining of left ventricles.

RESULTS

HF-fed postpartum mice had markedly greater weight gain and fat mass expansion with obesity, associated with significantly increased LV mass, cardiac output, and stroke volume compared with HF-fed nulliparous mice. Plasma leptin, but not adiponectin, concentrations were correlated with LV mass in HF-fed females. HF feeding increased LV posterior wall thickness; however, LV chamber diameter was only increased in HF-fed postpartum females. Despite the marked increase in LV mass in HF-fed postpartum mice, mRNA abundance of genes regulating fibrosis and interstitial collagen content was similar between HF-fed nulliparous and postpartum mice. In contrast, only HF-fed postpartum mice exhibited altered expression of genes regulating the extracellular matrix.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the combined effects of pregnancy and obesity augment cardiac hypertrophy and promote remodeling. The rising prevalence of CVD in premenopausal women may be attributed to an increased prevalence of women entering pregnancy with an overweight or obese BMI.

Characteristics and outcomes of pregnant women with cardiomyopathy stratified by etiologies: A population-based study

BACKGROUND

Heart failure is an uncommon diagnosis among pregnant women with limited data on this condition. We sought to describe the characteristics and outcomes of pregnant women with heart failure stratified by etiologies of cardiomyopathy.

METHODS

This is a retrospective population-based cohort study across medical centers in Southern California in the United States. Pregnant women with heart failure were identified using ICD-9 codes and adjudicated by manual review of the medical records. Obstetric complications, fetal birthweight, and maternal mortality outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Between 2003 and 2014, there were 488 pregnancies (0.1% of all pregnancies) complicated by heart failure, of which 333 (68.2%) were due to peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) and 155 (31.8%) were due to other etiologies (non-PPCM). Compared to patients with non-PPCM, patients with PPCM were more likely to be Black Americans (26.7% vs 15.5%) or Asian Americans (16.8% vs 7.1%). A high proportion of PPCM patients had preeclampsia (11.1% vs 5.2%, p = 0.04). Infants born to mothers with non-PPCM were more likely to be small for gestational age (SGA) (SGA <3% 4.1% vs 9.7%, p < 0.001; SGA <10% 20% vs 8.8%, p = 0.001). No significant difference in maternal mortality was observed between PPCM and non-PPCM patients.

CONCLUSIONS

PPCM is the most common etiology of HF during pregnancy. Infants born to mothers with PPCM were likely to be small for gestational age.

Management of Heart Failure and Cardiogenic Shock in Pregnancy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

While the prognosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is generally more favorable than other cardiomyopathies, PPCM can be associated with cardiogenic shock and significant maternal morbidity in young women. The management of a pregnant woman in cardiogenic shock necessitates consideration of harm to the fetus. This review focuses on the management of these women.

RECENT FINDINGS

A number of advances have increased the repertoire of therapies available to manage PPCM. Increased understanding of PPCM pathophysiology has led to a number of new and experimental medications. In the current era, mechanical circulatory support has been gaining a stronger presence in critical care and can be used in cardiogenic shock of the pregnant patient refractory to medical therapy. We discuss medical therapies, mechanical circulatory support, arrhythmia management, and a delivery plan in the setting of cardiogenic shock secondary to PPCM.

Sex differences in heart failure

The overall lifetime risk of heart failure (HF) is similar between men and women, however, there are marked sex differences in the landscape of this condition that are both important and under-recognized. Men are predisposed to HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), whereas women predominate in HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Sex differences are also notable in the penetrance of genetic cardiomyopathies, risk factors, e.g. breast cancer which may be associated with cancer treatment-induced cardiomyopathy, as well as sex-specific conditions such as peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). This review outlines the key sex differences with respect to clinical characteristics, pathophysiology, and therapeutic responses to HF treatments. Finally, we address important differences in the prognosis of HF. A central hypothesis is that the higher risk of HFrEF in men compared to women may be attributable to their predisposition to macrovascular coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction, whereas coronary microvascular dysfunction/endothelial inflammation has been postulated to play a key role in HFpEF and maybe the common link among HF syndromes that women are predisposed to Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, PPCM, and breast cancer radiotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy. Under-pinning current sex disparities in HF, there is a paucity of women recruited to HF clinical trials (20–25% of cohorts) and thus treatment guidelines are predominantly based on male-derived data. Large gaps in knowledge exist in sex-specific mechanisms, optimal drug doses for women and sex-specific criteria for device therapy.

In peripartum cardiomyopathy plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 is a potential new biomarker with controversial roles

Aims

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a life-threatening heart disease occurring in previously heart-healthy women. A common pathomechanism in PPCM involves the angiostatic 16 kDa-prolactin (16 kDa-PRL) fragment, which via NF-κB-mediated up-regulation of microRNA-(miR)-146a induces vascular damage and heart failure. We analyse whether the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is involved in the pathophysiology of PPCM.

Methods and results

In healthy age-matched postpartum women (PP-Ctrl, n = 53, left ventricular ejection fraction, LVEF &gt; 55%), PAI-1 plasma levels were within the normal range (21 ± 10 ng/mL), but significantly elevated (64 ± 38 ng/mL, P &lt; 0.01) in postpartum PPCM patients at baseline (BL, n = 64, mean LVEF: 23 ± 8%). At 6-month follow-up (n = 23), PAI-1 levels decreased (36 ± 14 ng/mL, P &lt; 0.01 vs. BL) and LVEF (49 ± 11%) improved. Increased N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and Troponin T did not correlate with PAI-1. C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β did not differ between PPCM patients and PP-Ctrl. MiR-146a was 3.6-fold (P &lt; 0.001) higher in BL-PPCM plasma compared with PP-Ctrl and correlated positively with PAI-1. In BL-PPCM serum, 16 kDa-PRL coprecipitated with PAI-1, which was associated with higher (P &lt; 0.05) uPAR-mediated NF-κB activation in endothelial cells compared with PP-Ctrl serum. Cardiac biopsies and dermal fibroblasts from PPCM patients displayed higher PAI-1 mRNA levels (P &lt; 0.05) than healthy controls. In PPCM mice (due to a cardiomyocyte-specific-knockout for STAT3, CKO), cardiac PAI-1 expression was higher than in postpartum wild-type controls, whereas a systemic PAI-1-knockout in CKO mice accelerated peripartum cardiac fibrosis, inflammation, heart failure, and mortality.

Conclusion

In PPCM patients, circulating and cardiac PAI-1 expression are up-regulated. While circulating PAI-1 may add 16 kDa-PRL to induce vascular impairment via the uPAR/NF-κB/miR-146a pathway, experimental data suggest that cardiac PAI-1 expression seems to protect the PPCM heart from fibrosis. Thus, measuring circulating PAI-1 and miR-146a, together with an uPAR/NF-κB-activity assay could be developed into a specific diagnostic marker assay for PPCM, but unrestricted reduction of PAI-1 for therapy may not be advised.

Long-Term Cardiac Function After Peripartum Cardiomyopathy and Preeclampsia: A Danish Nationwide, Clinical Follow-Up Study Using Maximal Exercise Testing and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background Long-term clinical studies of peripartum cardiomyopathy ( PPCM ) are few. We aimed to measure the long-term effect of PPCM on cardiac function in comparison with the long-term effects of severe preeclampsia and uncomplicated pregnancy. Methods and Results A nationwide Danish cohort of women diagnosed with PPCM from 2005 to 2014 ( PPCM group) were invited to participate in a clinical follow-up study including maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Matched women with previous severe preeclampsia (preeclampsia group) and previous uncomplicated pregnancies (uncomplicated pregnancies group) served as comparison groups. A total of 84 women with 28 in each group participated. Median time to follow-up after PPCM was 91 months. Most women (85%) in the PPCM group reported no symptoms of heart failure. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction in the PPCM group was normal at 62%, but significantly lower than in the preeclampsia group and the uncomplicated pregnancies group where mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 69% and 67%, respectively ( P<0.0001). Women in the PPCM group also had impaired diastolic function with reduced left ventricular peak filling rate, left atrial passive emptying volume, and left atrial passive emptying fraction. Maximal exercise capacity (peak VO ₂) was also reduced in the PPCM group compared with the preeclampsia group and the uncomplicated pregnancies group, and PPCM , high body mass index, and low left ventricular ejection fraction independently predicted reduced peak VO ₂. Only 1 woman with PPCM had late gadolinium enhancement. Conclusions Women generally recovered left ventricular ejection fraction and were asymptomatic 7 years after PPCM , but had subtle diastolic dysfunction on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and reduced peak VO ₂. Focal myocardial fibrosis assessed with late gadolinium enhancement was, however, uncommon.

Importance of Early Diagnosis in Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) can lead to long-term systolic dysfunction, especially among black women. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are the strongest risk factor for PPCM, but controversy remains on whether HDP predict a favorable outcome. Women with HDP are also often diagnosed with PPCM earlier than those without HDP. Our objective is to determine recovery of systolic function in patients with PPCM stratified by HDP, timing of diagnosis, and race. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 220 patients (55% black) diagnosed with PPCM. Patients with PPCM and HDP were diagnosed earlier postpartum than patients without HDP (P=0.013), an effect that was most pronounced in nonblack patients. Rates of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) recovery were similar among PPCM patients with and without HDP (68.4% versus 62.6%, P=0.425). In contrast, patients with PPCM diagnosed after 1-month postpartum had lower rates of LVEF recovery than patients diagnosed <1-month postpartum (53.7% versus 69.9%, P=0.035). LVEF at time of diagnosis is a strong predictor of LVEF recovery, and patients with PPCM diagnosed after 1-month postpartum had lower baseline LVEF compared to patients presenting earlier (P=0.041). The presence of HDP does not correlate with LVEF recovery in our racially diverse PPCM cohort. In contrast, early diagnosis portends a favorable outcome. Early diagnosis is associated with higher LVEF at presentation, likely explaining the improved outcomes in these women. These findings underscore the need for early monitoring and diagnosis, especially in at-risk and underserved populations.

Fundamental Mechanisms of Regulated Cell Death and Implications for Heart Disease

Twelve regulated cell death programs have been described. We review in detail the basic biology of nine including death receptor-mediated apoptosis, death receptor-mediated necrosis (necroptosis), mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis, mitochondrial-mediated necrosis, autophagy-dependent cell death, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, parthanatos, and immunogenic cell death. This is followed by a dissection of the roles of these cell death programs in the major cardiac syndromes: myocardial infarction and heart failure. The most important conclusion relevant to heart disease is that regulated forms of cardiomyocyte death play important roles in both myocardial infarction with reperfusion (ischemia/reperfusion) and heart failure. While a role for apoptosis in ischemia/reperfusion cannot be excluded, regulated forms of necrosis, through both death receptor and mitochondrial pathways, are critical. Ferroptosis and parthanatos are also likely important in ischemia/reperfusion, although it is unclear if these entities are functioning as independent death programs or as amplification mechanisms for necrotic cell death. Pyroptosis may also contribute to ischemia/reperfusion injury, but potentially through effects in non-cardiomyocytes. Cardiomyocyte loss through apoptosis and necrosis is also an important component in the pathogenesis of heart failure and is mediated by both death receptor and mitochondrial signaling. Roles for immunogenic cell death in cardiac disease remain to be defined but merit study in this era of immune checkpoint cancer therapy. Biology-based approaches to inhibit cell death in the various cardiac syndromes are also discussed.

The Reduced Uterine Perfusion Pressure (RUPP) rat model of preeclampsia exhibits impaired systolic function and global longitudinal strain during pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Preeclampsia (PE) is a disorder prevalent in 3-8% of pregnancies, characterized by hypertension, endothelial dysfunction and cardiac dysfunction, including hypertrophy and impaired global longitudinal strain (GLS), which indicates reduced contractility and tissue injury. Despite several clinical studies highlighting impaired cardiac function in these women, the underlying mechanisms have not been studied, in part, due to lack of an appropriate animal model. The Reduced Uterine Perfusion Pressure (RUPP) rat model produces a PE-like phenotype, including adverse cardiac remodeling. However, whether this translates to impaired cardiac function is not known. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that placental ischemia in the RUPP rat leads to impaired left ventricular (LV) systolic function and GLS.

STUDY DESIGN

RUPP (n = 10) rats underwent surgery to induce placental ischemia on gestational day (GD) 14. Sham (n = 10) and RUPP rats had indwelling carotid catheters placed on GD 18, and blood pressure and echocardiography measurements were made on GD 19.

RESULTS

The RUPP group exhibited increased mean arterial pressure compared to the Sham group (123 ± 3 vs. 97 ± 2 mmHg, P < 0.01). RUPP hearts exhibited impaired LV ejection fraction (60 ± 2 vs. 78 ± 2%, P < 0.01) and GLS (-17.89 ± 0.5 vs. -26.31 ± 2.7%, P = 0.02), in addition to cardiac hypertrophy (0.97 ± 0.04 vs. 0.91 ± 0.02 g, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac dysfunction and impaired strain are present in RUPP rats during pregnancy. These findings represent an animal model of PE that could be used to understand the mechanisms of cardiac dysfunction in this disease and ultimately, improve or prevent cardiac abnormalities in these patients.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy: basic mechanisms and hope for new therapies

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a life-threatening cardiomyopathy characterized by acute or slow progression of left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction (LV ejection fraction of &lt;45%) late in pregnancy, during delivery, or in the first postpartum months, in women with no other identifiable causes of heart failure. PPCM patients display variable phenotypes and risk factor profiles, pointing to involvement of multiple mechanisms in the pathogenesis of the disease. The higher risk for PPCM in women with African ancestry, the prevalence of gene variants associated with cardiomyopathies, and the high variability in onset and disease progression in PPCM patients also indicate multiple mechanisms at work. Experimental data have shown that different factors can induce and drive PPCM, including inflammation and immunity, pregnancy hormone impairment, catecholamine stress, defective cAMP-PKA, and G-protein-coupled-receptor signalling, and genetic variants. However, several of these mechanisms may merge into a common major pathway, which includes unbalanced oxidative stress and the cleavage of the nursing hormone prolactin (PRL) into an angiostatic, pro-apoptotic, and pro-inflammatory 16 kDa-PRL fragment, resulting in subsequent vascular damage and heart failure. Based on this common pathway, potential disease-specific biomarkers and therapies have emerged. Despite commonalities, the variation in aetiology and mechanisms poses challenges for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of the disease. This review summarizes current knowledge on the clinical presentation of PPCM in the context of recent experimental research. It discusses the challenge to develop disease-specific biomarkers in the context of rapid changing physiology in the peripartum phase, and outlines possible future treatment and management strategies for PPCM patients.

The Association between Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy and Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a diagnosis of exclusion and a heterogeneous disorder that presents during the last month of pregnancy or the first five months postpartum. It is a rare but potentially life-threatening illness. A lot of work has been done trying to discover the causes of this condition, and several risk factors have been identified, including hypertension during pregnancy (HDP), ethnicity, advanced age, and multiple gestations. HDP affects 40% of cases of PPCM, and the strength of the association increases with increasing severity of hypertension. Among PPCM patients, there is a 1.5 times higher prevalence of HDP and a four-fold higher prevalence of preeclampsia (PE). Besides, the risk of PPCM markedly increases among women with HDP (5-21 times) compared with normotensive women. The experimental work done in animal models has provided support for the angiogenic-imbalance theory proposed regarding the association between these two conditions. The presence of the same risk factors also supports the prevalence of the coexistence of PE and PPCM. During the last part of gestation, the placenta secretes more anti-angiogenic factors, which leads to the development of both PE and PPCM. However, not all patients with HDP develop PPCM. In fact, most PPCM patients do not show any signs of HDP. Further work in these patients elucidated that there is an underlying susceptibility in some women that predisposes them to develop this condition and results in a worse prognosis as compared with those PPCM patients who have HDP. Better provision of care, genetic variations, and association with HDP have been cited as some of the factors affecting prognosis. HDP has also been found to increase the risk of other forms of cardiomyopathies in the future. A lot of work still needs to be done to uncover all the pathologic mechanisms and genetic variations involved in this disorder. More intensive and focussed research may help in developing new therapies to better manage this condition and address all of its complications. 

What is new in the 2018 ESC guidelines for the management of cardiovascular diseases during pregnancy?

Cardiovascular diseases during pregnancy are the most common causes of pregnancy-associated mortality.

Vaginal delivery is the preferred mode of birth in the majority of pregnancies.

It is recommended that patients with modified World Health Organization (mWHO) class IV risk are counselled against pregnancy.

Patients carrying mWHO II–III, III, and class IV risks should undergo prepregnancy counselling by a multidisciplinary pregnancy heart team to determine a delivery plan and define postpartum care.

Specific medications should not be principally withheld in pregnancy but the risk-benefit ratio should be carefully evaluated prior to administration.

Beta blockers are recommended during and after pregnancy for congenital long QT syndrome and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.

Low molecular weight heparin is the ideal substance for prophylaxis and treatment of venous thromboembolism in pregnancy under weekly monitoring of anti-factor Xa activity.

Global Left Ventricular Strain at Presentation Is Associated with Subsequent Recovery in Patients with Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a serious complication of pregnancy associated with variable degrees of left ventricular (LV) recovery. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that global LV strain at presentation has prognostic value in patients with PPCM.

METHODS

One hundred patients with PPCM aged 30 ± 6 years were enrolled in the multicenter Investigation in Pregnancy Associated Cardiomyopathy study along with 21 normal female control subjects. Speckle-tracking global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global circumferential strain (GCS) analysis was performed. The predefined primary combined outcome variable was death, transplantation, LV assist device implantation, or evidence of persistent LV dysfunction (LV ejection fraction [LVEF] < 50%) at 1 year.

RESULTS

GLS measurement was feasible in 110 subjects: 89 of 90 patients with PPCM (99%) with echocardiographic data and all 21 control subjects. Of 84 patients (94%) with 1-year follow-up, 21 (25%) had unfavorable primary outcomes: four LV assist device placements, two deaths, and 15 patients with persistent LV dysfunction. GLS at presentation with a cutoff of 10.6% (absolute value) was specifically associated with the subsequent primary outcome with 75% sensitivity and 95% specificity. GCS at presentation with a cutoff of 10.1% was associated with the primary outcome with 78% sensitivity and 84% specificity. GLS and GCS remained significantly associated with outcomes after adjusting for LVEF (GLS odds ratio, 2.07; P < .001; GCS odds ratio, 1.37; P = .005). GLS was significantly additive to LVEF (C statistic = 0.76-0.91, net reclassification improvement = 1.32, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

GLS and GCS in patients with PPCM at presentation were associated with subsequent clinical outcomes, including death, LV assist device implantation, and evidence of persistent LV dysfunction. Strain measures may add prognostic information over LVEF for risk stratification.

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: A Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is an important condition with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Patients with PPCM are at risk of developing life-long cardiac disease, requiring regular management and medical intervention. This article conducts a review of recent literature and gives insight into this disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is promising research in the fields of vascular, hormonal and genetics. A number of genetic markers are being analyzed; including TTNC1, TTN and STAT3. Mutations to these genes have been found to be prevalent in PPCM. These combined with the secretion of placental angiogenic factors potentially create imbalance in angiogenesis as the primary etiology.

SUMMARY

Current biomarkers do not differentiate between PPCM and other variants of heart failure. Women with PPCM are more likely to have a cesarean section, have hypertensive disease, at greater risk of major adverse cardiac events and to have lifelong morbidity.

Preeclampsia: Maternal Systemic Vascular Disorder Caused by Generalized Endothelial Dysfunction Due to Placental Antiangiogenic Factors

Preeclampsia, a systemic vascular disorder characterized by new-onset hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation, is the leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Maternal endothelial dysfunction caused by placental factors has long been accepted with respect to the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. Over the past decade, increased production of placental antiangiogenic factors has been identified as a placental factor leading to maternal endothelial dysfunction and systemic vascular dysfunction. This review summarizes the recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction caused by placental antiangiogenic factors, and the novel clinical strategies based on these discoveries.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare and potentially life-threatening disease that occurs toward the end of pregnancy or in the months following delivery in previously heart-healthy women. The incidence varies widely depending on geographical region and ethnic background, with an estimated number of 1 in 1000–1500 pregnancies in Germany. The course of the disease ranges from mild forms with minor symptoms to severe forms with acute heart failure and cardiogenic shock. The understanding of the etiology of PPCM has evolved in recent years. An oxidative stress-mediated cleaved 16-kDa fragment of the nursing hormone prolactin is thought to damage endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes. Bromocriptine, a dopamine-receptor agonist, effectively blocks prolactin release from the pituitary gland. In addition to standard heart failure therapy, this disease-specific treatment reduces morbidity and mortality in PPCM patients. This review summarizes the current knowledge on PPCM and the disease-specific treatment options.

Incidence, Risk Factors, and Clinical Characteristics of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy in South Korea

BACKGROUND

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare disorder associated with pregnancy that can lead to life-threatening conditions. The incidence and clinical characteristics of this condition remain poorly understood.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We aimed to perform the first population-based study of PPCM in South Korea, using the Korea National Health Insurance Claims Database of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. Patients who fulfilled predefined diagnostic criteria for PPCM from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2012, were identified from International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. To discriminate PPCM from other causes of heart failure, we excluded subjects who already had heart failure-related International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification codes at least 1 year before delivery. During the study period, there were 1 404 551 deliveries in South Korea, and we excluded 20 159 patients who already had heart failure. In those, a total of 795 cases were identified as PPCM. Patients with PPCM were older, had a higher prevalence of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus, and were more likely to be primiparous and have multiple pregnancies. Moreover, cesarean section and pregnancy-related complications and in-hospital death were also more common in patients with PPCM. Intriguingly, a considerable number of heart failure cases (n=64; 8.1% of total PPCM) were noted between 5 and 12 months after delivery.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of PPCM was 1 in 1741 deliveries in South Korea. Patients with PPCM were older, were more associated with primiparity and multiple pregnancy, had more pregnancy-related complications, and revealed higher in-hospital mortality than controls. The number of cases diagnosed as PPCM were decreased over time after delivery; however, a large number of patients were still noted through 12 months after delivery.

Persistent cardiac dysfunction on echocardiography in African American women with severe preeclampsia

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and preeclampsia both disproportionally affect African American women. Evidence continues to grow linking a history of preeclampsia to future CVD. Therefore, we sought to determine whether abnormalities in cardiac function, as determined by echocardiography, could be identified at the time of preeclampsia diagnosis in African American women, and if they persist into the early postpartum period.

STUDY DESIGN

This prospective blinded longitudinal cohort study was performed from April 2015 to May 2017. We identified African American women diagnosed with preterm (<37 weeks) preeclampsia with severe features and compared them to control normotensive pregnant women matched on race, gestational age, maternal age, and body mass index. We obtained transthoracic echocardiograms on cases and controls at time of diagnosis and again 4-12 weeks postpartum. We quantified the systolic function with longitudinal strain, ventricular-arterial coupling parameters and diastolic function.

RESULTS

There were 29 matched (case-control) pairs of African American women for a total of 58 women. At time of preeclampsia diagnosis, there was more abnormal cardiac function as evidenced by worse cardiac systolic function (longitudinal strain), increased chamber stiffness (end systolic elastance), and worse diastolic function (E/e') in preeclampsia cases compared to controls. These findings persisted 4-12 weeks postpartum. There were additional notable abnormalities in E/A, and Ea (arterial load) postpartum, indicative of potentially worse diastolic function and increased arterial stiffness in the postpartum period.

CONCLUSIONS

Among African American women, we found notable cardiac function differences between women with severe preeclampsia and healthy pregnant controls that persist postpartum.