Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: an Update

Heart failure due to peripartum cardiomyopathy presenting in the first week of puerperium-A case series from Nepal

Key Clinical Message

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare cause of heart failure associated with pregnancy without any other known cause. With a prognosis that can vary from the complete recovery of left ventricular function to maternal mortality as well as recurrence with subsequent pregnancies, early diagnosis and treatment of PPCM is important in management. Bromocriptine treatment is beneficial effects on LVEF and mortality in women with severe acute PPCM in addition to standard heart failure therapy. However, further study is required to establish its effect in PPCM.

Abstract

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare cause of heart failure associated with pregnancy without any other known cause. Most of the clinical presentation is similar to symptoms of advanced pregnancy making the diagnosis difficult. Reported are three patients who developed dyspnea, orthopnea, and dry cough during the first week of puerperium. On examination, bilateral lower limb edema and bilateral basal lung crepitation were present in all patients. Chest radiograph showed pulmonary edema in cases two and three, and pleural effusion in case one. All patients had reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and raised N-terminal pro-b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels. Case two developed PPCM in the background of left pyelonephritis. Case three was complicated by acute kidney injury. All patients were managed with bromocriptine, diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and fluid restriction. Hence, PPCM though rare should be considered as a differential in women presenting with features of heart failure in later months of pregnancy or within 5 months of delivery.

Sex Differences in Circulating Biomarkers of Heart Failure

PURPOSE OF REVSIEW

Evidence is scaling up for sex differences in heart failure; however, clinical relevance of sex-specific differential thresholds for biomarkers is not clearly known. Current ambiguity warrants a further look into the sex-specific studies on cardiac biomarkers and may facilitate understanding of phenotypic presentations, clinical manifestations, and pathophysiologic pathway differences in men and women.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies have confirmed the fact that females have differential threshold for biomarkers, with lower troponin and higher NT proBNP levels. Ambiguity continues to exist in the clinical relevance of ST-2, Galectin 3, and other biomarkers. Novel biomarkers, proteomic biomarkers, and circulating micro RNAs with machine learning are actively being explored. Biomarkers in HFpEF patients with higher female representation are evolving. In recent clinical trials, sex-related difference in biomarkers is not seen despite therapeutic intervention being more effective in females compared to males. Sex-related difference exists in the expression of biomarkers in health and in various disease states of heart failure. However, this differentiation has not effectively translated into the clinical practice in terms of diagnostic studies or prognostication. Active exploration to bridge the knowledge gap and novel technologies can shed more light in this area.

FNDC5 genetic polymorphism in patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy

Background

Late in pregnancy or soon after delivery, peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) which is an uncommon type of cardiomyopathy, can develop. To assess the association between the level of irisin expression and (FNDC5) (rs3480) gene polymorphism with peripartum cardiomyopathy.

Methods

This is a case control study included a thirty female patients with new-onset PPCM and sixty healthy females at the at the peripartum period in same time window for PPCM as a control. For each patient, comprehensive medical history was taken, full clinical assessment was done, ECHO., FNDC5 (rs3480) & Irisin assay.

Results

The left ventricle end diastolic dimensions &left atrium diameters were statistically significant higher in patients' group than controls' group (P=0.000 for all), Also left ventricular ejection fraction (%) was statistically significant lower in patients than controls and as regards irisin, its Mean ±SD was lower in patient group than control group (8.44±1.1 vs 10.65±2.31) with (p <0.001) which is considered a significant difference statistically.

Conclusion

Irisin level was lower in peripartum cardiomyopathic patients when compared with normal individuals and regarding its genotype, the homotype A/A was higher than homotype G/G.

Proteomic Profiling in Patients With Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: A Biomarker Study of the ESC EORP PPCM Registry

BACKGROUND

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) remains an important cause of maternal morbidity and mortality globally. The pathophysiology remains incompletely understood, and the diagnosis is often missed or delayed.

OBJECTIVES

This study explored the serum proteome profile of patients with newly diagnosed PPCM, as compared with matched healthy postpartum mothers, to unravel novel protein biomarkers that would further an understanding of the pathogenesis of PPCM and improve diagnostic precision.

METHODS

Study investigators performed untargeted serum proteome profiling using data-independent acquisition-based label-free quantitative liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry on 84 patients with PPCM, as compared with 29 postpartum healthy controls (HCs). Significant changes in protein intensities were determined with nonpaired Student's t-tests and were further classified by using the Boruta algorithm. The proteins' diagnostic performance was evaluated by area under the curve (AUC) and validated using the 10-fold cross-validation.

RESULTS

Patients with PPCM presented with a mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 33.5% ± 9.3% vs 57.0% ± 8.8% in HCs (P < 0.001). Study investigators identified 15 differentially up-regulated and 14 down-regulated proteins in patients with PPCM compared with HCs. Seven of these proteins were recognized as significant by the Boruta algorithm. The combination of adiponectin, quiescin sulfhydryl oxidase 1, inter-α-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide had the best diagnostic precision (AUC: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.84-0.96) to distinguish patients with PPCM from HCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Salient biologic themes related to immune response proteins, inflammation, fibrosis, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and coagulation were predominant in patients with PPCM compared with HCs. These newly identified proteins warrant further evaluation to establish their role in the pathogenesis of PPCM and potential use as diagnostic markers.

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: Current Understanding of Pathophysiology, Diagnostic Workup, Management, and Outcomes

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a relatively rare, potentially life-threatening, idiopathic form of cardiomyopathy that affects previously healthy young women during late pregnancy or in the early postpartum period and is characterized by left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction in the absence of any other identifiable cardiac causes. Morbidity and mortality with PPCM are remarkably high and it continues to be one of the leading causes of maternal death. Although remarkable advances have been made in our understanding of PPCM in the last few decades, unanswered questions remain regarding its pathophysiology, diagnostic workup, and management options. In this article, we will complete an updated, comprehensive review of PPCM, including the epidemiology and risk factors, proposed etiology, presentation and complications, management, prognostic indicators and outcomes. In addition, we will identify current challenges and gaps in knowledge.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy: risk factors and predictors of outcome

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) contributes significantly to maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. In this review, we describe the present-day epidemiology and current understanding of the pathogenesis of PPCM. We provide an updated approach to diagnosis and management of PPCM, and discuss risk factors and predictors of outcome.

RECENT FINDINGS

The highest incidences of PPCM have been reported in African, Asian, and Caribbean populations. Contemporary literature supports a 'two-hit' hypothesis, whereby the 'first hit' implies a predisposition, and the 'second hit' refers to an imbalanced peripartal hormonal milieu that results in cardiomyopathy. Whereas a half of patients will have left ventricular (LV) recovery, a tenth do not survive. Clinical findings and special investigations (ECG, echocardiography, cardiac MRI, biomarkers) can be used for risk stratification. Frequent prescription of guideline-directed medical therapy is associated with improved outcomes.

SUMMARY

Despite advances in elucidating the pathogenesis of PPCM, it remains unclear why only certain women develop the disease. Moreover, even with better diagnostic work-up and management, it remains unknown why some patients with PPCM have persistent LV dysfunction or die. Future research should be aimed at better understanding of the mechanisms of disease and finding new therapies that could improve survival and LV recovery.

Perinatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by maternal cardiomyopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to systematically assess perinatal outcomes of pregnancies complicated by maternal cardiomyopathy.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Ovid Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched from inception to August 25, 2022.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Observational cohort, case-control, and case-cohort studies in human populations were included if they reported predefined perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with cardiomyopathy (any subtype) and an appropriate control population (either pregnant women with no known cardiac disease or pregnant women with noncardiomyopathy cardiac disease).

METHODS

Of note, 2 reviewers independently assessed the articles for eligibility and risk of bias, and conflicts were resolved by a third reviewer. Data were extracted and synthesized according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines.

RESULTS

Here, 13 studies (representing 2,291,024 pregnancies) were eligible for inclusion. Perinatal death was more likely in neonates born to women with cardiomyopathy than in (1) neonates born to women with no cardiac disease (stillbirth: odds ratio, 20.82; 95% confidence interval, 6.68-64.95; I² = not available; P<.00001; neonatal mortality: odds ratio, 6.75; 95% confidence interval, 3.54-12.89; I²=0%; P<.00001) and (2) neonates born to women with other forms of cardiac disease (stillbirth: odds ratio, 3.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.86-7.59; I²=0%; P=.0002; neonatal mortality: odds ratio, 2.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.39-4.21; I²=0%; P=.002). Pregnancies affected by maternal cardiomyopathy were significantly more likely to result in preterm birth (odds ratio, 2.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.31-3.73; I²=77%; P=.003) and small-for-gestational-age neonates (odds ratio, 2.97; 95% confidence interval, 2.38-3.70; I²=47%; P<.00001), both major causes of short- and long-term morbidities, than pregnancies affected by other forms of cardiac disease.

CONCLUSION

There was an increased likelihood of adverse perinatal outcomes in pregnancies affected by maternal cardiomyopathy compared with both pregnancies affected by noncardiomyopathy cardiac disease and pregnancies without cardiac disease. Women with cardiomyopathy who plan to get pregnant should receive detailed counseling regarding these risks and have their pregnancies managed by experienced multidisciplinary teams that can provide close fetal monitoring and neonatology expertise.

Advancement in Current Therapeutic Modalities in Postpartum Cardiomyopathy

Pregnancy is considered one of the most delicate conditions for the woman and her fetus, rendering physiological stress on her body. Sometimes, this leads to unwelcomed incidences of certain systemic disorders which further complicate the course of pregnancy. Cardiovascular conditions associated with pregnancy have major morbidity amongst the general population. Peripartum cardiomyopathy, one such condition associated with cardiac dysfunction during pregnancy, is one of the major causes of increased morbidity and mortality in pregnant women. It has been the leading cause of non-obstetric maternal mortality. Due to the stress on the cardiovascular system, further functioning of the body in the milieu gets compromised and thus, the occurrence of fetomaternal mortality is not rare in the prognosis of this condition. Certain studies have noted not only familial but also geographical variations in the prevalence of peripartum cardiomyopathy in certain areas. Although the occurrence of the condition is quite common, there still needs to be a better understanding of this topic for avoiding the abysmal prognosis of this pathology. A peculiar presentation on the electrogram is needed to make an accurate diagnosis of the condition. The therapeutic options of this condition, particularly incline towards medical management. Various new drugs have been formulated and are in clinical trials for testing their effectiveness. Bromocriptine therapy, along with the neoadjuvant combination of anticoagulant drugs and non-pharmacological measures, makes a good treatment regimen that helps avert the progressive pathology. In this article, we discuss the knowledge regarding the etiology, factors contributing to the severity, pathogenesis, treatment options, and the particular outcomes of the therapy.

Value of the Systemic Immune-Inflammatory Index (SII) in Predicting the Prognosis of Patients With Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

Background

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a potentially life-threatening complication of pregnancy. The identification of early prognostic markers in patients diagnosed with PPCM is very important. The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) is a new inflammatory biomarker, and the aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of SII in patients with PPCM.

Methods

A total of 61 patients with PPCM who were admitted in our hospital from 2015 to 2020 were retrospectively analyzed in this study. The follow-up period of all patients was at least 6 months after diagnosis. Recovery of left ventricular (LV) systolic function was defined as the presence of left ventricular ejection fraction > 45%. The second endpoint was defined as composite adverse cardiac events, including cardiac death or hospitalization due to worsening heart failure. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to determine the independent predictors of non-recovery of LV systolic function. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to establish a cut-off level of SII value to predict persistent LV systolic dysfunction.

Results

The follow-up duration was 40.5 ± 16.3 months. Among the 61 patients, 43 patients showed left ventricular recovery and 18 patients did not at the last follow-up visit. The baseline SII levels were significantly higher in the non-recovery group (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression showed that the SII and left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) were independent predictors of persistent LV systolic dysfunction (OR: 1.177, 95% CI: 1.038–1.335, P = 0.011 and OR: 1.148, 95% CI: 1.011–1.304, P = 0.033, respectively). A SII value of 876 was the best cut-off value (the area under the curve was 0.791, 95% CI: 0.667–0.915, P < 0.05), and the sensitivity and specificity were 73 and 71%, respectively.

Conclusions

The SII and LVEDD are independent prognostic factors for persistent LV systolic dysfunction in patients with PPCM. The SII may be a useful tool for identifying high-risk PPCM patients.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy: alluring challenge - case series and review of literature

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare disease responsible for heart failure that usually occurs in the last month of pregnancy or within five months postpartum, without any other known cause. A case series of five PPCM patients admitted at the Department of Cardiology of the University Hospital Mohammed VI of Oujda, Morocco, between 2017 and 2019. All cases were represented by young (case 1: 35-year-old; case 2: 28-year-old; case 3: 30-year-old; case 4: 36-year-old; case 5: 34-year-old). All patients were multiparous who were admitted to our department with a severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Case 1 and 4 were admitted 3 days after delivery for heart failure. Case 2 was admitted for cardiogenic shock after 3 months of delivery. Case 3 was admitted twelve days after delivery for acute heart failure with pulmonary embolism and multiple venous thrombosis. Case 5 had a history of PPCM was admitted for cardiogenic shock with a course marked by recurrent thromboembolic events. Case 1 and 2 responded to treatment at an early stage, case 4 has evolved to chronicity, the third patient died from an unclear cause, and the fifth patient died from a contraindicated pregnancy leading to the recurrence of fatal thromboembolic events. Above reported cases confirming the great heterogeneity in clinical presentation and course of peripartum cardiomyopathy and seems to confirm that a delayed diagnosis, as well thromboembolic complications are bad prognosis factors of these patients. Early diagnosis, multidisciplinary collaboration, prompt treatment of heart failure and continued monitoring are the keys to improve maternal survival.

The Lancet women and cardiovascular disease Commission: reducing the global burden by 2030

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women. Decades of grassroots campaigns have helped to raise awareness about the impact of cardiovascular disease in women, and positive changes affecting women and their health have gained momentum. Despite these efforts, there has been stagnation in the overall reduction of cardiovascular disease burden for women in the past decade. Cardiovascular disease in women remains understudied, under-recognised, underdiagnosed, and undertreated. This Commission summarises existing evidence and identifies knowledge gaps in research, prevention, treatment, and access to care for women. Recommendations from an international team of experts and leaders in the field have been generated with a clear focus to reduce the global burden of cardiovascular disease in women by 2030. This Commission represents the first effort of its kind to connect stakeholders, to ignite global awareness of sex-related and gender-related disparities in cardiovascular disease, and to provide a springboard for future research.

Heat Shock Proteins: Potential Modulators and Candidate Biomarkers of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a potentially life-threatening condition in which heart failure and systolic dysfunction occur late in pregnancy or within months following delivery. To date, no reliable biomarkers or therapeutic interventions for the condition exist, thus necessitating an urgent need for identification of novel PPCM drug targets and candidate biomarkers. Leads for novel treatments and biomarkers are therefore being investigated worldwide. Pregnancy is generally accompanied by dramatic hemodynamic changes, including a reduced afterload and a 50% increase in cardiac output. These increased cardiac stresses during pregnancy potentially impair protein folding processes within the cardiac tissue. The accumulation of misfolded proteins results in increased toxicity and cardiac insults that trigger heart failure. Under stress conditions, molecular chaperones such as heat shock proteins (Hsps) play crucial roles in maintaining cellular proteostasis. Here, we critically assess the potential role of Hsps in PPCM. We further predict specific associations between the Hsp types Hsp70, Hsp90 and small Hsps with several proteins implicated in PPCM pathophysiology. Furthermore, we explore the possibility of select Hsps as novel candidate PPCM biomarkers and drug targets. A better understanding of how these Hsps modulate PPCM pathogenesis holds promise in improving treatment, prognosis and management of the condition, and possibly other forms of acute heart failure.

Cardiovascular adverse events in pregnancy: A global perspective

Pregnant women with heart disease are vulnerable to many adverse cardiovascular events (AE). AEs during and after pregnancy continue to be important causes of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide, with huge variations in burden in different countries and regions. These AEs are classified as having direct or indirect causes, depending on whether they are directly caused by pregnancy or due to some pre-existing disease and/or non-obstetric cause, respectively. The risks continue throughout pregnancy and even after childbirth. Apart from immediate complications during pregnancy, there is increasing evidence of a significant link between several events and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) later in life. A significant number of pregnancy-related deaths caused by cardiovascular disease are preventable. This prevention can be realized through increasing awareness of cardiovascular AE in pregnancy, coupled with the application of strategies for prevention and treatment. Knowledge of the risks associated with CVD and pregnancy is of extreme importance in that regard. We discuss the global distribution of cardiovascular maternal mortality, adverse events during and after pregnancy, their predictors and risk stratification. In addition, we enumerate possible solutions, particularly the role of cardio-obstetric clinics.

Acute kidney injury predicts poor left ventricular function for patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy

Background

The aim of this study was to explore the risk factors associated with a poor left ventricular (LV) function among patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) and to determine the influence of acute kidney injury (AKI) on the LV function of the patients.

Methods

Sixty patients with PPCM were recruited between January 2007 and June 2018, among which 11 had AKI. The participants were divided into two groups, the recovery group (32 cases) and the nonrecovery group (28 cases), with their clinical features, echocardiography and electrocardiogram findings, laboratory results, and treatments compared between groups. We further determined the risk factors associated with nonrecovery and the influence posed by AKI on the LV function of the patients.

Results

Compared with the patients in the recovery group, those in the nonrecovery group had higher proportions of multiparity [78.6% (22/28) vs. 43.8% (14/32)], function class III– IV heart failure [92.9% (26/28) vs. 71.9% (23/32)], and a higher incidence of AKI [35.7% (10/28) vs. 3.1% (1/32)]. Logistic regression analysis showed that having AKI [odds ratio (OR): 10.556; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.177–94.654; P = 0.035] and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 40% [OR: 4.533; 95% CI 1.118–18.382; P = 0.034] were independently associated with nonrecovery of PPCM.

Conclusions

The prognosis of patients with PPCM and AKI during hospitalization was poor compared to those without AKI; therefore, clinicians should pay more attention to this phenomenon.

Post-Traumatic Stress, Depression, and Quality of Life in Women with Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

PURPOSE

Peripartum cardiomyopathy, a traumatic life-threatening type of heart failure, occurs in the last trimester of pregnancy or shortly after childbirth. Little is known about psychological or emotional conditions women experience with peripartum cardiomyopathy. The purpose of this study was to examine relationships among post-traumatic stress, depression, and quality of life in women with peripartum cardiomyopathy.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This cross-sectional, correlational survey study included 28 participants recruited via public notice on Facebook. Participants completed the Horowitz Impact of Events Scale, the Center for Epidemiology Scale-Depression 20, and the Ferrans & Powers Quality of Life Index-Cardiac Version-IV.

RESULTS

Post-traumatic stress correlated significantly and positively with depression (r = .809, p < .001). Post-traumatic stress and depression correlated significantly and inversely with quality of life (r = -.455, p = .015), (r = -.544, p = .003), respectively. All participants measured positive for depression. Participants with lower education scored higher on post-traumatic stress and depression, whereas those unemployed or disabled registered a lower quality of life.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Nurses, midwives, and physicians caring for women with cardiomyopathies must be vigilant for evidence of post-traumatic stress, depression, and poor quality of life. Targeted antenatal and postnatal support could be vital to emotional and psychological recovery.

The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in heart failure: a comprehensive review

INTRODUCTION

Heart failure (HF) and systemic inflammation are interdependent processes that continuously potentiate each other. Distinct pathophysiological pathways are activated, resulting in increased neutrophil count and reduced lymphocyte numbers, making the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) a potential indirect marker of severity. We conducted this comprehensive review to characterize the role of NLR in HF.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed (MEDLINE) database using the key words "neutrophil", "lymphocyte", "heart failure", "cardiomyopathy", "implantable cardioverter defibrillator", "cardiac resynchronization therapy" and "heart transplant".

RESULTS

We identified 241 publications. 31 were selected for this review, including 12,107 patients. NLR was correlated to HF severity expressed by clinical, biological, and imaging parameters, as well as to short and long-term prognosis. Most studies reported its survival predictive value. Elevated NLR (>2.1-7.6) was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality [adjusted HR 1.13 (95% CI 1.01-1.27) - 2.8 (95% CI 1.43-5.53)] as well as long-term all-cause mortality [adjusted HR 1.43 (95% CI 1.1-1.85) - 2.403 (95% CI 1.076-5.704)]. Higher NLR levels also predicted poor functional capacity [NLR > 2.26/2.74, HR 3.93 (95% CI 1.02-15.12) / 3.085 (95% CI 1.52-6.26)], hospital readmissions [NLR > 2.9/7.6, HR 1.46 (95% CI 1.10-1.93) / 3.46 (95% CI 2.11-5.68)] cardiac resynchronization therapy efficacy [NLR > 3.45/unit increase, HR 12.22 (95% CI 2.16-69.05) / 1.51 (95% CI 1.01-2.24)] and appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator shocks (NLR > 2.93), as well as mortality after left ventricular assist device implantation [NLR > 4.4 / quartiles, HR 1.67 (95% CI 1.03-2.70) / 1.22 (95% CI 1.01-1.47)] or heart transplant (NLR > 2.41, HR 3.403 (95% CI 1.04-11.14)].

CONCLUSION

Increased NLR in HF patients can be a valuable auxiliary biomarker of severity, and most of all, of poor prognosis.

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.

[Heart Failure in Africa]

Heart Failure in Africa Abstract. In Africa, mortality due to heart failure is twice as high as in other low- to middle-income countries and five times as high as in high-income countries. Arterial hypertension is by far the most common cause of heart failure, followed by cardiomyopathies and rheumatic heart diseases. At diagnosis, most patients suffer already from an advanced disease stage. Only a few patients are aware of arterial hypertension, and few are treated and have their hypertension well controlled. Only a minority of patients have a well-controlled hypertension. The neglect of chronic non-communicable diseases on the health agenda leads to poor awareness, poor diagnostic resources, preventions strategies and treatment options. International guidelines cannot be properly followed in these circumstances. Information at community level and in healthcare facilities is urgently needed as well as training of healthcare staff, implementation of improved diagnostics and treatment of arterial hypertension and heart failure.

Twenty-eight Pregnant Women with Cardiac Diseases: A Review of Maternal and Fetal Outcomes in Pakistan

Introduction

In the western world, 0.2%-4% of pregnancies are complicated by heart diseases. The United Kingdom Obstetric Surveillance System (UKOSS) conducted a study on acute myocardial infarction (MI) in pregnant women. It estimated an incidence of 0.7 cases of acute MI per 100,000 pregnancies. In this study, we review the maternal and fetal outcomes of pregnant women with a cardiac disorder.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included all maternal records of the women registered in the obstetrics and gynecology department of Ghulam Muhammad Meher Medical Hospital, Sukkur, from January 1 to December 31, 2018. The study was approved by the institutional review board.

Results

The most common cardiac disease among our patients was peripartum cardiomyopathy (n=12; 42.9%) followed by rheumatic heart disease in nine (32.1%) women. The rate of maternal mortality was 14.2% (n=4). There were eight (28.6%) cases of intrauterine devices (IUDs) and the remaining 20 (71.4%) babies were born alive and healthy.

Conclusion

The prevalence of cardiac diseases in pregnancy in Pakistan is comparable to that in our neighboring countries. These cardiac diseases are responsible for fetal and maternal adverse outcomes.

Role of pregnancy hormones and hormonal interaction on the maternal cardiovascular system: a literature review

Hormones have a vital duty in the conservation of physiological cardiovascular function during pregnancy. Alterations in oestrogen, progesterone and prolactin levels are associated with changes in the cardiovascular system to support the growing foetus and counteract pregnancy stresses. Pregnancy hormones are, however, also linked to numerous pathophysiological outcomes on the cardiovascular system. The expression and effects of the three main pregnancy hormones (oestrogen, prolactin and progesterone) vary depending on the gestation period. However, the reaction of a target cell also depends on the abundance of hormone receptors and impacts put forth by other hormones. Hormonal interaction may be synergistic, antagonistic or permissive. It is crucial to explore the cross talk of pregnancy hormones during gestation, as this may have a greater impact on the overall changes to the cardiovascular system.