Familial occurrence of peripartum cardiomyopathy

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: Risks Diagnosis and Management

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare cause of heart failure that occurs during late pregnancy or in the early postpartum period. Delays in diagnosis may occur as symptoms of heart failure mimic those of normal pregnancy. The diagnosis should be considered in any pregnant or postpartum woman with symptoms concerning for heart failure. If there are clinical concerns, labs including N-terminal pro-BNP should be checked, and an echocardiogram should be ordered to assess for systolic dysfunction. Prompt medical treatment tailored for pregnancy and lactation is essential to prevent adverse events. Outcomes are variable, including complete recovery, persistent myocardial dysfunction with heart failure symptoms, arrhythmias, thromboembolic events, and/or rapid deterioration requiring mechanical circulatory support and cardiac transplantation. It is essential that care is provided as part of a multidisciplinary cardio-obstetrics team including obstetrics, cardiology, maternal fetal medicine, anesthesiology, and nursing. All women with peripartum cardiomyopathy should have close follow-up with a cardiologist, although optimal duration of medical therapy following complete recovery is unknown. Women considering a subsequent pregnancy require preconception counseling and close collaboration between obstetrics and cardiology throughout pregnancy.

Anesthetic Management in Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: A Contemporary Review

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is an uncommon disorder of the cardiovascular system and is linked to high rates of morbidity and mortality. It is an idiopathic condition characterized by left ventricular systolic dysfunction with an ejection fraction of approximately 45% near the end of pregnancy or immediately after delivery. Anesthesia management in these women is challenging due to low physiological reserve and potential negative effects on the fetus. To ensure that mother and child are supported safely through delivery, careful anesthesia control is required. Here, in this review article, we discuss the anesthetic implications in preoperative, operative, and postoperative phases in women with perioperative cardiomyopathy undergoing vaginal delivery or cesarean section.

Imaging-Based Risk Stratification for Recurrence Risk in Women with a History of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

OBJECTIVE

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) affects 1:1,000 U.S. pregnancies, and while many recover from the disease, the risk of recurrence in subsequent pregnancy (SSP) is high. This study aims to evaluate the utility of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) to predict the risk of recurrence of PPCM in SSP.

STUDY DESIGN

We retrospectively evaluated outcomes in women with a history of PPCM and SSP at a large-volume cardioobstetrics program (2008-2019).

RESULTS

There were 18 women who had incident PPCM and pursued SSP. Of 24 pregnancies in these women, 8 (33%) were complicated by the development of recurrent PPCM. LVEF ≥ 52% or GLS ≤ -16 was associated with a low risk of recurrent PPCM.

CONCLUSION

Approximately one-third of women with PPCM developed recurrent PPCM in SSP. LVEF and GLS on prepregnancy echocardiography may predict the risk of recurrence. Additional studies evaluating risk for recurrence are required to better understand which women are the safest to consider SSP.

KEY POINTS

· Peripartum cardiomyopathy affects 1:1000 US pregnancies.. · Approximately one third of women with a history of peripartum cardiomyopathy developed recurrent disease in a subsequent pregnancy.. · A left ventricular ejection fraction ≥52% or global longitudinal strain ≤-16 on echocardiogram is associated with a low risk of recurrence..

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

Importance

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare form of heart failure due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction that affects women late in pregnancy and the postpartum period. A diagnosis of exclusion, peripartum cardiomyopathy can be difficult to diagnose in the context of the normal physiologic changes of pregnancy and requires a high index of suspicion.

Evidence Acquisition

Original research articles, review articles, and guidelines on peripartum cardiomyopathy were reviewed.

Results

The etiology of peripartum cardiomyopathy remains poorly defined, but theories include genetic predisposition, as well as myocardial inflammation and angiogenic dysregulation. Risk factors for this condition include hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, Black race, and maternal age older than 30 years. Patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy are at increased risk of acute clinical decompensation, cardiac arrhythmias, thromboembolic complications, and death. Primary treatment modalities include initiation of a medication regimen aimed at the optimization of preload and reduction of afterload. Maternal clinical status is the primary determinant for timing of delivery.

Conclusions

Prompt diagnosis and medical management by an interdisciplinary care team are vital for improving outcomes in patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy.

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a form of heart failure that occurs toward the end of pregnancy or in the months following pregnancy and is marked by left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The cause of PPCM remains unknown and there is no diagnostic test specific to PPCM. Outcomes vary and include complete left ventricular recovery, persistent cardiac dysfunction, transplant, and death. Numerous advances have been made in understanding this disease, but many knowledge gaps remain. This article reviews recent data and recommendations for clinical practice in addition to highlighting the multiple knowledge gaps related to PPCM that warrant further investigation.

Genetics of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: Current Knowledge, Future Directions and Clinical Implications

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a condition in which heart failure and systolic dysfunction occur late in pregnancy or within months following delivery. Over the last decade, genetic advances in heritable cardiomyopathy have provided new insights into the role of genetics in PPCM. In this review, we summarise current knowledge of the genetics of PPCM and potential avenues for further research, including the role of molecular chaperone mutations in PPCM. Evidence supporting a genetic basis for PPCM has emanated from observations of familial disease, overlap with familial dilated cardiomyopathy, and sequencing studies of PPCM cohorts. Approximately 20% of PPCM patients screened for cardiomyopathy genes have an identified pathogenic mutation, with TTN truncations most commonly implicated. As a stress-associated condition, PPCM may be modulated by molecular chaperones such as heat shock proteins (Hsps). Recent studies have led to the identification of Hsp mutations in a PPCM model, suggesting that variation in these stress-response genes may contribute to PPCM pathogenesis. Although some Hsp genes have been implicated in dilated cardiomyopathy, their roles in PPCM remain to be determined. Additional areas of future investigation may include the delineation of genotype-phenotype correlations and the screening of newly-identified cardiomyopathy genes for their roles in PPCM. Nevertheless, these findings suggest that the construction of a family history may be advised in the management of PPCM and that genetic testing should be considered. A better understanding of the genetics of PPCM holds the potential to improve treatment, prognosis, and family management.

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 <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.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare, often dilated, cardiomyopathy with systolic dysfunction that presents in late pregnancy or, more commonly, the early postpartum period. Although the condition is prevalent worldwide, women with black ancestry seem to be at greatest risk, and the condition has a particularly high incidence in Nigeria and Haiti. Other risk factors include pre-eclampsia, advanced maternal age, and multiple gestation pregnancy. Although the complete pathophysiology of peripartum cardiomyopathy remains unclear, research over the past decade suggests the importance of vasculo-hormonal pathways in women with underlying susceptibility. At least some women with the condition harbor an underlying sarcomere gene mutation. More than half of affected women recover systolic function, although some are left with a chronic cardiomyopathy, and a minority requires mechanical support or cardiac transplantation (or both). Other potential complications include thromboembolism and arrhythmia. Currently, management entails standard treatments for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, with attention to minimizing potential adverse effects on the fetus in women who are still pregnant. Bromocriptine is one potential disease specific treatment under investigation. In this review, we summarize the current literature on peripartum cardiomyopathy, as well as gaps in the understanding of this condition and future research directions.

2017 Comprehensive Update of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society Guidelines for the Management of Heart Failure

Since the inception of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society heart failure (HF) guidelines in 2006, much has changed in the care for patients with HF. Over the past decade, the HF Guidelines Committee has published regular updates. However, because of the major changes that have occurred, the Guidelines Committee believes that a comprehensive reassessment of the HF management recommendations is presently needed, with a view to producing a full and complete set of updated guidelines. The primary and secondary Canadian Cardiovascular Society HF panel members as well as external experts have reviewed clinically relevant literature to provide guidance for the practicing clinician. The 2017 HF guidelines provide updated guidance on the diagnosis and management (self-care, pharmacologic, nonpharmacologic, device, and referral) that should aid in day-to-day decisions for caring for patients with HF. Among specific issues covered are risk scores, the differences in management for HF with preserved vs reduced ejection fraction, exercise and rehabilitation, implantable devices, revascularization, right ventricular dysfunction, anemia, and iron deficiency, cardiorenal syndrome, sleep apnea, cardiomyopathies, HF in pregnancy, cardio-oncology, and myocarditis. We devoted attention to strategies and treatments to prevent HF, to the organization of HF care, comorbidity management, as well as practical issues around the timing of referral and follow-up care. Recognition and treatment of advanced HF is another important aspect of this update, including how to select advanced therapies as well as end of life considerations. Finally, we acknowledge the remaining gaps in evidence that need to be filled by future research.

Practical management of peripartum cardiomyopathy

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is an idiopathic cardiomyopathy that causes systolic heart failure (HF) in previously healthy young women. Despite latest remarkable achievement, unifying pathophysiologic mechanism is not well established. Considering close temporal relationship to pregnancy, the recent prolactin theory is promising. Abnormal short form of 16-kDa prolactin may be produced in the oxidative stress milieu, show anti-angiogenic effect and damage cardiovascular structure in late pregnancy. Future study is needed to determine whether abnormal prolactin system is useful as a biomarker for diagnosis and therapy of PPCM. Diagnosis is made based on the finding of left ventricular systolic dysfunction after excluding other causes of HF. A multidisciplinary team approach is essential for acute HF, antepartum, labor and postpartum care. Recovery from left ventricular dysfunction is critical for prognosis. As PPCM can recur and cause serious clinical events, subsequent pregnancy is not recommended. This review focuses on the practical management of PPCM.

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a potentially life-threatening pregnancy-associated disease that typically arises in the peripartum period and is marked by left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure. The disease is relatively uncommon, but its incidence is rising. Women often recover cardiac function, but long-lasting morbidity and mortality are not infrequent. Management of peripartum cardiomyopathy is largely limited to the same neurohormonal antagonists used in other forms of cardiomyopathy, and no proven disease-specific therapies exist yet. Research in the past decade has suggested that peripartum cardiomyopathy is caused by vascular dysfunction, triggered by late-gestational maternal hormones. Most recently, information has also indicated that many cases of peripartum cardiomyopathy have genetic underpinnings. We review here the known epidemiology, clinical presentation, and management of peripartum cardiomyopathy, as well as the current knowledge of the pathophysiology of the disease.

Shared Genetic Predisposition in Peripartum and Dilated Cardiomyopathies

Background Peripartum cardiomyopathy shares some clinical features with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, a disorder caused by mutations in more than 40 genes, including TTN, which encodes the sarcomere protein titin. Methods In 172 women with peripartum cardiomyopathy, we sequenced 43 genes with variants that have been associated with dilated cardiomyopathy. We compared the prevalence of different variant types (nonsense, frameshift, and splicing) in these women with the prevalence of such variants in persons with dilated cardiomyopathy and with population controls. Results We identified 26 distinct, rare truncating variants in eight genes among women with peripartum cardiomyopathy. The prevalence of truncating variants (26 in 172 [15%]) was significantly higher than that in a reference population of 60,706 persons (4.7%, P=1.3×10(-7)) but was similar to that in a cohort of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (55 of 332 patients [17%], P=0.81). Two thirds of identified truncating variants were in TTN, as seen in 10% of the patients and in 1.4% of the reference population (P=2.7×10(-10)); almost all TTN variants were located in the titin A-band. Seven of the TTN truncating variants were previously reported in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. In a clinically well-characterized cohort of 83 women with peripartum cardiomyopathy, the presence of TTN truncating variants was significantly correlated with a lower ejection fraction at 1-year follow-up (P=0.005). Conclusions The distribution of truncating variants in a large series of women with peripartum cardiomyopathy was remarkably similar to that found in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. TTN truncating variants were the most prevalent genetic predisposition in each disorder.

Genetic Counseling and Screening Issues in Familial Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC), a treatable condition characterized by left ventricular dilatation and systolic dysfunction of unknown cause, has only recently been recognized to have genetic etiologies. Although familial dilated cardiomyopathy (FDC) was thought to be infrequent, it is now believed that 30-50% of cases of IDC may be familial. Echocardiographic and electrocardiographic (ECG) screening of first-degree relatives of individuals with IDC and FDC is indicated because detection and treatment are possible prior to the onset of advanced, symptomatic disease. However, such screening often creates uncertainty and anxiety surrounding the significance of the results. Furthermore, FDC demonstrates incomplete penetrance, variable expression, and significant locus and allelic heterogeneity, making genetic counseling complex. The provision of genetic counseling for IDC and FDC will require collaboration between cardiologists and genetics professionals, and may also improve the recognition of FDC, the availability of support services, and overall outcomes for patients and families.

Familial occurrence of peripartum cardiomyopathy: Genetic origin, unrecognized dilated cardiomyopathy or chance effect?

There have been rare case series with familial clustering of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCMP). Due to the concomitant occurrence of PPCMP and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, it has been suggested that genetics might play a role in the pathogenesis of PPCMP. Herein, we report four cases of PPCMP in the same family, who showed full recovery of left ventricular function within a short period. <Learning objective: Physicians caring for peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCMP) patients should be aware that PPCMP may have a genetic background and guidelines for diagnosis of genetic cardiomyopathy should be considered.>.

Arrhythmias in peripartum cardiomyopathy

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a complication of late pregnancy and the early postpartum period characterized by dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Approximately half of women fail to recover left ventricular function. Standard management of heart failure is indicated, with some exceptions for women who are predelivery or breastfeeding. Atrial and ventricular arrhythmias are reported in PPCM, but the frequency of arrhythmias in this condition is not well characterized. Management of PPCM-associated arrhythmias may include antiarrhythmic drugs, catheter ablation, and wearable or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. Further research is needed on the prevalence, natural history, and optimal management of arrhythmias in PPCM.

Pregnancy, cardiomyopathies, and genetics

Although familial forms of cardiomyopathy such as hypertrophic or dilated cardiomyopathy have been recognized for decades, it is only recently that much of the genetic basis of these inherited cardiomyopathies has been elucidated. This has provided important insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the disease phenotype. This increased knowledge and the availability of genetic testing has resulted in increasing numbers of mutation carriers who are being monitored, including many who are now of child-bearing age. Pregnancy is generally well tolerated in asymptomatic patients or mutation carriers with inherited cardiomyopathies. However, since pregnancy leads to major physiological changes in the cardiovascular system, in women with genetic cardiomyopathies or who carry a mutation pre-disposing to a genetic cardiomyopathy, pregnancy entails a risk of developing heart failure and/or arrhythmias. This deterioration of cardiac function may occur despite optimal medical treatment. Advanced left ventricular dysfunction, poor functional class (NYHA class III or IV), or prior cardiac events appear to increase the risk of maternal cardiac complications. However, there are no large series of cardiomyopathy patients who are regularly evaluated for cardiac complications during pregnancy and for certain types of inherited cardiomyopathy, only case reports on individual pregnancies are available. Pre-conception cardiologic evaluation and genetic counselling are important for every woman with a cardiomyopathy or a cardiomyopathy-related mutation who is considering having a family. In this article, we give an overview of the basic clinical aspects, genetics, and pregnancy outcome in women with different types of inherited cardiomyopathies. We also discuss the genetic aspects of pregnancy-associated cardiomyopathy, including peripartum cardiomyopathy.

Sex differences in cardiomyopathies

Cardiomyopathies are a heterogeneous group of heart muscle diseases with a variety of specific phenotypes. According to the contemporary European Society of Cardiology classification, they are classified into hypertrophic (HCM), dilated (DCM), arrhythmogenic right ventricular (ARVC), restrictive (RCM), and unclassified cardiomyopathies. Each class is aetiologically further categorized into inherited (familial) and non-inherited (non-familial) forms. There is substantial evidence that biological sex is a strong modulator of the clinical manifestation of these cardiomyopathies, and sex-specific characteristics are detectable in all classes. For the clinician, it is important to know the sex-specific aspects of clinical disease expression and the potential modes of inheritance or the hereditary influences underlying the development of cardiomyopathies, since these may aid in diagnosing such diseases in both sexes.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy: ten year experience at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan

BACKGROUND

There is very little literature regarding peripartum cardiomyopathy from the Asian countries. We conducted this study to determine demographic details, clinical presentations, complications and recovery of left ventricular (LV) systolic function in peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCMP) patients of Pakistani origin.

METHOD

A ten year retrospective case series of PPCMP was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital. Patients were also followed up for six months after presentation, with special regard to improvement in the LV function.

RESULTS

Total 45 patients were included, 25 (55.5%) primigravida and 8 (17.7%) gravida 2 and the remaining 12 (26.6%) were multigravida. Fourteen patients (31.1%) presented during pregnancy and 31 (68.8%) after delivery. All patients presented with CHF and three (6.6%) were complicated with ventricular tachycardia (VT) at presentation. LV systolic dysfunction was present in 39 (86.66%) patients and RV dysfunction in 15 (33.3%) patients. Two patients had LV clot and thromboembolic stroke occurred in another 4 patients. All patients received standard treatment except three patients who had asthma and could not be given beta blockers. Echocardiogram was repeated after 6 month and in 32 (71.1%) patients LV functions recovered to normal. RV function improved in all except 2 (4.4%) patients. All patients were discharged in stable condition.

CONCLUSION

Significant numbers of PPCMP patients, who had severe LV dysfunction at presentation recovered their LV functions at six month follow up.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare form of unexplained cardiac failure of unknown origin, unique to the pregnant woman with highly variable outcome associated with high morbidity and mortality. PPCM is fraught with controversies in its definition, epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management. PPCM is frequently under diagnosed, inadequately treated and without a laid down follow-up regimen, thus, the aim of this review. Publications on PPCM were accessed using Medline, Google scholar and Pubmed databases. Relevant materials on PPCM, selected references from internet services, journals, textbooks, and lecture notes on PPCM were also accessed and critically reviewed. PPCM is multifactorial in origin. It is a diagnosis of exclusion and should be based on classic echocardiographic criteria. The outcome of PPCM is also highly variable with high morbidity and mortality rates. Future pregnancies are not recommended in women with persistent ventricular dysfunction because the heart cannot tolerate increased cardiovascular workload associated with the pregnancy. Although, multiparity is associated with PPCM, there is an increased risk of fetal prematurity and fetal loss. PPCM is a rare form of dilated cardiomyopathy of unknown origin, unique to pregnant women. The pathophysiology is poorly understood. Echocardiography is central to diagnosis of PPCM and effective treatment monitoring in patients of PPCM. The outcome is highly variable and related to reversal of ventricular dysfunction.

Sex and gender differences in myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy

Heart failure due to nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) contributes significantly to the global burden of cardiovascular disease. Myocarditis is, in turn, a major cause of acute DCM in both men and women. However, recent clinical and experimental evidence suggests that the pathogenesis and prognosis of DCM differ between the sexes. This seminar provides a contemporary perspective on the immune mediators of myocarditis, including interdependent elements of the innate and adaptive immune response. The heart's acute response to injury is influenced by sex hormones that appear to determine the subsequent risk of chronic DCM. Preliminary data suggest additional genetic variations may account for some of the differences in epidemiology, left ventricular recovery, and survival between men and women. We highlight the gaps in our knowledge regarding the management of women with acute DCM and discuss emerging therapies, including bromocriptine for the treatment of peripartum cardiomyopathy.

[Peripartum cardiomyopathy: interdisciplinary challenge]

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare type of heart failure which presents towards the end of pregnancy or in the first 5 months after delivery. Depending on the geographical location the incidence is reported in the literature as 1:300 up to 1:15,000. There are a number of known risk factors, such as multiparity and age of the mother over 30 years. The symptoms of PPCM correspond to those of idiopathic cardiomyopathy. The diagnosis is mainly carried out using echocardiography which shows a clear reduction of systolic left ventricular function. The therapeutic approach is the same as for idiopathic cardiomyopathy and in this context it is absolutely necessary to show caution concerning the state of pregnancy and the resulting contraindications for therapeutic drugs. The prognosis is dependent on recovery from the heart failure during the first 6 months postpartum. The lethality of the disease is high and is given in the literature as up to 28 %. Because of its complexity PPCM is an interdisciplinary challenge. In the peripartum phase a close cooperation between the disciplines of cardiology, cardiac surgery, neonatology, obstetrics and anesthesiology is indispensable. For anesthesiology the most important aspects are the mostly advanced unstable hemodynamic condition of the mother and the planning and implementation of the perioperative management. This article presents the case of a patient in advanced pregnancy with signs of acute severe heart failure and a suspected diagnosis of PPCM. The patient presented as an emergency case and delivery of the child was carried out using peridural anesthesia with a stand-by life support machine.

16-kDa prolactin and bromocriptine in postpartum cardiomyopathy

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a potentially life-threatening heart disease emerging toward the end of pregnancy or in the first postpartal months in previously healthy women. Recent data suggest a central role of unbalanced peri-/postpartum oxidative stress that triggers the proteolytic cleavage of the nursing hormone prolactin (PRL) into a potent antiangiogenic, proapoptotic, and proinflammatory 16-kDa PRL fragment. This notion is supported by the observation that inhibition of PRL secretion by bromocriptine, a dopamine D2-receptor agonist, prevented the onset of disease in an animal model of PPCM and by first clinical experiences where bromocriptine seem to exert positive effects with respect to prevention or treatment of PPCM patients. Here, we highlight the current state of knowledge on diagnosis of PPCM, provide insights into the biology and pathophysiology of 16-kDa PRL and bromocriptine, and outline potential consequences for the clinical management and treatment options for PPCM patients.

[Peripartum cardiomyopathy: A multiple entity]

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCMP) is a dilated and hypokinetic cardiomyopathy occurring during pregnancy or after delivery, with an estimated incidence between 1/1000 and 1/4000 births. It has been defined as a new onset of heart failure in the month preceding or following delivery, without demonstrated aetiology nor previously known heart disease, and with echocardiographic evidences of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction (LV ejection fraction<0.45). It's a multifactorial disease, immunologic, hormonal, and possibly viral mechanisms playing a determinant pathophysiological role. The classical clinical presentation is a rapid and unexpected onset of heart failure in a previously healthy woman, echocardiography being the key examination for positive and differential diagnosis, prognostication, therapeutic decision-making, and follow-up. The potential severity of PPCMP, and its unpredictable evolution in the first days following diagnosis, require that patients be referred to a tertiary care centre with a high skill in intensive cardiology care. Therapeutic management of PPCMP does not offer any specificity when compared to other causes of acute or chronic heart failure (from diuretics to extracorporeal life support), except for ACE-inhibitors, that are contraindicated before delivery. The high incidence of thrombo-embolic complications observed in the disease requires however rapid and curative anticoagulation, and immuno-suppressive treatment has been proposed in fulminant and highly inflammatory presentation, but its efficacy remains controversial. Very recently, promising results have been reported with bromocriptin-a prolactin secretion inhibitor-for reducing 6-month morbidity and mortality, but these findings have to be confirmed in larger scale randomised trials. As for the long-term evolution, approximately half of the patients will heal, while half of the women will keep some degree of LV dysfunction, 25% of them developing moderate to severe chronic heart failure.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy: review and practice guidelines

Peripartum cardiomyopathy, a type of dilated cardiomyopathy of unknown origin, occurs in previously healthy women in the final month of pregnancy and up to 5 months after delivery. Although the incidence is low-less than 0.1% of pregnancies -morbidity and mortality rates are high at 5% to 32%. The outcome of peripartum cardiomyopathy is also highly variable. For some women, the clinical and echocardiographic status improves and sometimes returns to normal, whereas for others, the disease progresses to severe cardiac failure and even sudden cardiac death. In acute care, treatment may involve the use of intravenous vasodilators, inotropic medications, an intra-aortic balloon pump, ventricular-assist devices, and/or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Survivors of peripartum cardiomyopathy often recover from left ventricular dysfunction; however, they may be at risk for recurrence of heart failure and death in subsequent pregnancies. Women with chronic left ventricular dysfunction should be managed according to guidelines of the American College of Cardiology Foundation and the American Heart Association.

Clinical characteristics of peripartum cardiomyopathy in the United States: diagnosis, prognosis, and management

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a pregnancy-associated myocardial disease characterized by the development of heart failure due to marked left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Although the disease is relatively uncommon, its incidence is increasing, and it can be associated with important and lasting morbidity and with mortality. Peripartum cardiomyopathy seems to affect women in different parts of the world but with considerable differences in clinical presentation. The purposes of this review are to describe the clinical profile of peripartum cardiomyopathy in the United States and to provide recommendations for the diagnosis and the management of this disease.

An obstetric emergency called peripartum cardiomyopathy!

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare obstetric emergency affecting women in late pregnancy or up to five months of postpartum period. The etiology of PPCM is still not known. It has potentially devastating effects on mother and fetus if not treated early. The signs, symptoms and treatment of PPCM are similar to that of heart failure. Early diagnosis and proper management is the corner stone for better outcome of these patients. The only way to prevent PPCM is to avoid further pregnancies.

Genome-wide significance and replication of the chromosome 12p11.22 locus near the PTHLH gene for peripartum cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Peripartum (PP) cardiomyopathy (CM) is a rare condition of unknown etiology that occurs in late pregnancy or early postpartum. Initial evidence suggests that genetic factors may influence PPCM. This study evaluated and replicated genome-wide association of single nucleotide polymorphisms with PPCM.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms in women with verified PPCM diagnosis (n=41) were compared separately with local control subjects (n=49 postmenopausal age-discordant women with parity ≥1 and no heart failure) and iControls (n=654 women ages 30 to 84 years with unknown phenotypes). A replication study of independent population samples used new cases (PPCM2, n=30) compared with new age-discordant control subjects (local2, n=124) and with younger control subjects (n=89) and obstetric control subjects (n=90). A third case set of pregnancy-associated CM cases not meeting strict PPCM definitions (n=29) was also studied. In the genome-wide association study, 1 single nucleotide polymorphism (rs258415) met genome-wide significance for PPCM versus local control subjects (P=2.06×10(-8); odds ratio [OR], 5.96). This was verified versus iControls (P=7.92×10(-19); OR, 8.52). In the replication study for PPCM2 cases, rs258415 (ORs are per C allele) replicated at P=0.009 versus local2 control subjects (OR, 2.26). This replication was verified for PPCM2 versus younger control subjects (P=0.029; OR, 2.15) and versus obstetric control subjects (P=0.013; OR, 2.44). In pregnancy-associated cardiomyopathy cases, rs258415 had a similar effect versus local2 control subjects (P=0.06; OR, 1.79), younger control subjects (P=0.14; OR, 1.65), and obstetric control subjects (P=0.038; OR, 1.99).

CONCLUSIONS

Genome-wide association with PPCM was discovered and replicated for rs258415 at chromosome 12p11.22 near PTHLH. This study indicates a role of genetic factors in PPCM and provides a new locus for further pathophysiological and clinical investigation.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a potentially devastating disease that affects women during the last months of pregnancy or the first months after delivery. The aetiology and pathogenesis of this disease remain unclear, but oxidative stress and the generation of a cardiotoxic fragment of prolactin may play key roles. Diagnosing PPCM remains a challenge, as symptoms may mimic those women experience during normal pregnancy and the peripartum period. A high index of suspicion is thus necessary to make the diagnosis. Patients with PPCM have a varied clinical course, as some patients achieve full recovery while others progress to end-stage heart failure and even death. Standard heart failure treatment is indicated, although special provisions are necessary in pregnant and lactating women. Additional research into the pathophysiology of this disease, including possible genetic contributions, may lead to novel treatment strategies that can improve outcomes.

Update on peripartum cardiomyopathy

Although multiple mechanisms have been postulated, peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) continues to be a cardiomyopathy of unknown cause. Multiple risk factors exist and the clinical presentation does not allow differentiation among potential causes. Although specific diagnostic criteria exist, PPCM remains a diagnosis of exclusion. Treatment modalities are dictated by the clinical state of the patient, and prognosis is dependent on recovery of function. Randomized controlled trials of novel therapies, such as bromocriptine, are needed to establish better treatment regimens to decrease morbidity and mortality. The creation of an international registry will be an important step to better define and treat PPCM. This article discusses the pathogenesis, risk factors, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of this condition.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy as a part of familial dilated cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Anecdotal cases of familial clustering of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) and familial occurrences of PPCM and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) together have been observed, suggesting that genetic factors play a role in the pathogenesis of PPCM. We hypothesized that some cases of PPCM are part of the spectrum of familial DCM, presenting in the peripartum period.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We reviewed our database of 90 DCM families, focusing specifically on the presence of PPCM patients. Then, in a reverse approach, we reviewed 10 PPCM patients seen in our clinic since the early 1990s and performed cardiological screening of the first-degree relatives of 3 PPCM patients who did not show a full recovery. Finally, we analyzed the genes known to be most commonly involved in DCM in the PPCM patients. We identified a substantial number (5 of 90, 6%) of DCM families with PPCM patients. Second, cardiological screening of first-degree relatives of 3 PPCM patients who did not show full recovery revealed undiagnosed DCM in all 3 families. Finally, genetic analyses revealed a mutation (c.149A>G, p.Gln50Arg) in the gene encoding cardiac troponin C (TNNC1) segregating with disease in a DCM family with a member with PPCM, supporting the genetic nature of disease in this case.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings strongly suggest that a subset of PPCM is an initial manifestation of familial DCM. This may have important implications for cardiological screening in such families.

Rare variant mutations in pregnancy-associated or peripartum cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

The term peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) describes dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) without known cause that occurs during the last month of pregnancy to 5 months postpartum. A related term, pregnancy-associated cardiomyopathy (PACM), refers to DCM onset earlier in pregnancy. Multiple studies have focused on inflammatory, immunologic, and environmental causes. An alternative hypothesis is that PPCM and PACM result, in part, from a genetic cause. In this study, we sought to test the hypothesis that rare DCM-associated mutations underlie a proportion of PACM or PPCM cases.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A systematic search of our DCM database designed for family-based genetic studies was undertaken for cases associated with pregnancy and the postpartum period; in the identified cases, clinical and molecular genetic data, including exonic and near intron/exon boundaries of DCM genes, were analyzed. Of 4110 women from 520 pedigrees in the Familial Dilated Cardiomyopathy Research Project database, we identified 45 cases of PPCM/PACM. Evidence of familial clustering with DCM was present in 23 unrelated cases. Of the 45 cases, 19 had been resequenced for known DCM genes, and 6 carried mutations. Five had PPCM, of which 3 were familial with mutations found in MYH7, SCN5A, and PSEN2, and 2 were sporadic with mutations in MYH6 and TNNT2. One case had PACM and carried a mutation in MYBPC3.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that a proportion of PPCM/PACM cases results from a genetic cause.

Aetiology and risk factors of peripartum cardiomyopathy: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a disorder of unknown aetiology in which heart failure due to left ventricular dysfunction occurs between the last month of pregnancy and first five months post-partum. Theories abound concerning the specific cause and risk factors for PPCM, but none have been accepted universally. The primary objective of this review was to summarize the state of knowledge on the pathogenesis of PPCM, especially in light of recent studies.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE (January 1966-September 2007), OVID, and reference lists of articles for studies containing information on the aetiology and risk factors for PPCM, and published in English.

RESULTS

The literature reveals a wealth of articles proposing various mechanisms for aetiology and risk factors of PPCM. There is conflicting evidence on the pathogenetic role of viral myocarditis, abnormal immune response to pregnancy, abnormal response to the haemodynamic stress of pregnancy, accelerated myocyte apoptosis, cytokine-induced inflammation, malnutrition, genetic factors, excessive prolactin production, abnormal hormonal function, increased adrenergic tone, and myocardial ischaemia. A number of factors are postulated to increase the risk of the development of PPCM. These include non-Caucasian ethnicity, advanced maternal age, multiparity, poor socioeconomic status, multiple pregnancy and prolonged tocolytic use. The authors call for a strict definition of PPCM that excludes known causes of heart failure, such as the pregnancy-induced hypertensive spectrum of disorders.

CONCLUSION

The aetiology and risk factors for PPCM are poorly defined. There is a need for large-scale multi-centre epidemiological studies and registries to delineate the aetiology and pathogenesis of PPCM.

Clinical and immunologic characteristics in peripartum cardiomyopathy

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare disorder of dilated cardiomyopathy and left ventricular dysfunction occurring in the last month of pregnancy or within 5 months postpartum. Outcome of PPCM is highly variable, comprising clinical improvement and rapid deterioration unresponsive to medical treatment requiring heart transplantation or even death. In this study, we report the clinicopathologic findings of 10 patients with PPCM who were retrospectively identified in our cardiomyopathy registry. During a follow-up of 69+/-27 months, no patient died or required orthotopic heart transplantation. Left ventricular ejection fraction was 38+/-7% at the time of diagnosis and 53+/-7% during follow-up. While all patients had sinus rhythm at the time of diagnosis, three patients presented with left bundle branch block. We found no evidence of viral infection in endomyocardial biopsy samples of seven patients by PCR. Histopathologic findings revealed the presence borderline myocarditis in two of seven patients (29%). Circulating autoantibodies to cardiac tissue of any kind were observed in all patients. In conclusion, in our retrospective observational study, no patient diagnosed with PPCM died or received orthotopic heart transplantation. Improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction was present in eight patients (80%), while LV dysfunction persisted in four patients. Our findings support the hypothesis of an underlying autoimmune pathomechanism in this rare disease.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy: a comprehensive review

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare disorder in which left ventricular dysfunction and symptoms of heart failure occur in the peripartum period in previously healthy women. Incidence of PPCM ranges from 1 in 1300 to 1 in 15,000 pregnancies. The etiology of PPCM is unknown, but viral, autoimmune, and idiopathic causes may contribute. The diagnostic criteria are onset of heart failure in the last month of pregnancy or in first 5 months postpartum, absence of determinable cause for cardiac failure, and absence of a demonstrable heart disease before the last month of pregnancy. Risk factors for PPCM include advanced maternal age, multiparity, African race, twinning, gestational hypertension, and long-term tocolysis. The clinical presentation of patients with PPCM is similar to that of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment are essential to optimize pregnancy outcome. Treatment is similar to medical therapy for other forms of dilated cardiomyopathy. About half the patients of PPCM recover without complications. The prognosis is poor in patients with persistent cardiomyopathy. Persistence of disease after 6 months indicates irreversible cardiomyopathy and portends worse survival.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare cardiac disorder associated with high rates of mortality that occurs during the peripartum period. PPCM is recognized as a distinct entity, separate from preexisting cardiomyopathies that are worsened by the stressors of pregnancy. To date, its etiology is unknown, although several theories are under investigation in an effort to provide more information regarding available treatment options. A multidisciplinary review of PPCM held by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, in conjunction with the Office of Rare Disease of the National Institutes of Health, in April 1997 reviewed the current knowledge and developed recommendations for areas of further research and education about PPCM. Since then, there have been some promising research testing hypotheses regarding the etiology of PPCM and advancements in possible treatment options. However, despite these efforts, knowledge and treatment recommendations about PPCM are still generally unchanged, whereas mortality rates remain high. This article attempts to provide an updated, comprehensive review about PPCM and draw attention to areas in need of further research.

Severe cardiac disease in pregnancy, part II: impact of congenital and acquired cardiac diseases during pregnancy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Part II of this review gives an overview of the different maternal cardiac problems during pregnancy and their management, and developments over recent years.

RECENT FINDINGS

Many studies published over the last 5 years provided new insights on different cardiac diseases in pregnancy. Publications discussed in this part of the review on cardiac disease in pregnancy, for example, provide epidemiological data on heart disease during pregnancy in general, and cardiomyopathy and ischemic heart disease in particular. In addition, we discussed the implications of a history of peripartum cardiomyopathy for a subsequent pregnancy, interventional strategies during pregnancy in women with ischemic heart disease, and the role of echocardiography in the evaluation of cardiac disease in pregnancy.

SUMMARY

The prevalence of the different causes of heart disease has shifted towards congenital heart disease by the end of the millennium. In developing countries, relatively rare diseases like rheumatic fever are still common, so these diseases are increasingly 'exported' to developed countries. The group of women with congenital heart disease represents most women with heart disease during pregnancy, followed by rheumatic heart disease. With the exception of patients with Eisenmenger's syndrome, pulmonary vascular obstructive disease, and Marfan's syndrome with aortopathy, maternal death during pregnancy is rare in women with heart disease. Although the risk for mortality is low in pregnant women with preexistent cardiac disease, these women are at increased risk for serious morbidity such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and stroke.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy

The diagnosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy should be considered whenever women present with heart failure during the peripartum period. This cardiomyopathy is distinguished by rapid onset, occurrence in the peripartum period, and significant improvement in up to 50% of affected women. The cause and pathogenesis of this dilated cardiomyopathy remain unknown. Treatment is similar to medical therapy for other forms of dilated cardiomyopathy. Worsening of heart failure may require management in the ICU with support by vasodilators, inotropes, and ventricular assist devices. Patients with severe ventricular dysfunction are less likely to survive and recover normal cardiac function. Subsequent pregnancies may provoke a recurrence, even in patients who apparently recover.

A review of peripartum cardiomyopathy

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare form of cardiomyopathy, of unknown aetiology, which is associated with a significant morbidity and mortality. It is characterised by the presentation of heart failure, within a month of delivery and up to 5 months post-partum, secondary to left ventricular impairment. It is essentially a diagnosis of exclusion and can only be made in the absence of any other demonstrable cause. One of the most challenging areas is in pre-natal counselling, when a woman wishes to undertake a further pregnancy, because recovery of left ventricular function gives no guarantee of safety.