Clinical Outcomes for Peripartum Cardiomyopathy in North America: Results of the IPAC Study (Investigations of Pregnancy-Associated Cardiomyopathy)

Race, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and outcomes in peripartum cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Black women with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) have a higher prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and worse clinical outcomes compared with non-Black women. We examined the impact of HDP on myocardial recovery in Black women with PPCM.

METHODS

A total of 100 women were enrolled into the Investigation in Pregnancy Associated Cardiomyopathy (IPAC) study. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was assessed by echocardiography at entry, 6, and 12-months post-partum (PP). Women were followed for 12 months postpartum and outcomes including persistent cardiomyopathy (LVEF ≤35%), left ventricular assist device, (LVAD), cardiac transplantation, or death were examined in subsets based on race and the presence of HDP.

RESULTS

Black women with HDP were more likely to present earlier compared to Black women without HDP (days PP HDP: 34 ± 21 vs 54 ± 27 days, P = .03). There was no difference in LVEF at study entry for Black women based on HDP, but better recovery with HDP at 6 (HDP: 52 ± 11% vs no HDP: 40 ± 14%, P = .03) and 12-months (HDP:53 ± 10% vs no HDP:40 ± 16%, P = .02). At 12-months, Black women overall had a lower LVEF than non-Black women (P < .001), driven by less recovery in Black women without HDP compared to non-Black women (P < .001). In contrast, Black women with HDP had a similar LVEF at 12 months compared to non-Black women (P = .56).

CONCLUSIONS

In women with PPCM, poorer outcomes evident in Black women were driven by women without a history of HDP. In Black women, a history of HDP was associated with earlier presentation and recovery which was comparable to non-Black women.

Temporal Trends in Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes for Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: The Nationwide Multicenter Registry Over 20 Years

BACKGROUND

Although peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a fatal disease affecting young patients and fetuses, little is known about its recent prognosis and risk factors. This study investigated temporal trends in clinical characteristics and outcomes for PPCM in a nationwide multicenter registry.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The study population comprised 340 patients (mean age, 33 years) who were diagnosed with PPCM between January 2000 and September 2022 in 26 tertiary hospitals in South Korea. PPCM was defined as heart failure with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤45% and no previously known cardiac disease. The main study outcomes included time to the first occurrence of all-cause death, heart transplantation, and cardiovascular hospitalization. The diagnosis of PPCM cases increased notably during the study period (P<0.001). However, clinical outcomes showed no significant improvement (all-cause death for 10 years: 0.9% [2000-2010] versus 2.3% [2011-2022], P=0.450; all-cause death and heart transplantation for 10 years: 3.6% [2000-2010] versus 3.0% [2011-2022] P=0.520; all-cause death, heart transplantation, and cardiovascular hospitalization for 10 years: 11.7% [2000-2010] versus 19.8% [2011-2022], P=0.240). High body mass index (hazard ratio [HR], 1.106 [95% CI, 1.024-1.196]; P=0.011), the presence of gestational diabetes (HR, 5.346 [95% CI, 1.778-16.07]; P=0.002), and increased baseline left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (HR, 1.078 [95% CI, 1.002-1.159]; P=0.044) were significant risk factors for poor prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

While the incidence of PPCM has increased over the past 20 years, the prognosis has not improved significantly. Timely management and close follow-up are necessary for high-risk patients with PPCM with high body mass index, gestational diabetes, or large left ventricular end-diastolic dimension.

Explaining the perception and experiences of breastfeeding in mothers who have a high risk pregnancy: a protocol study

INTRODUCTION

Enhancing breastfeeding practices, even in affluent nations, significantly reduces child mortality rates. Nevertheless, three out of five newborns do not receive breastfeeding within the first hour of birth. Research indicates that under high-risk pregnancy circumstances, there may be challenges in initiating and sustaining breastfeeding. Infants born from high-risk pregnancies are particularly vulnerable to illnesses and mortality. Although breastfeeding serves as a protective measure against various infant and post-infancy ailments, many mothers encounter difficulties in commencing or maintaining breastfeeding due to complications associated with their conditions. The present study aims to illuminate the understanding and experience of breastfeeding in mothers with high-risk pregnancies, considering the cultural and social context of Iran.

METHOD

This study is a qualitative research utilizing a conventional content analysis approach. In this qualitative study, mothers who have undergone a high-risk pregnancy and currently have infants under 6 months old will be chosen through purposeful and snowball sampling. Their breastfeeding experiences will be gathered through individual, semi-structured, and face-to-face interviews. In addition to interviews, observation and focus groups will also be used to collect data. Data analysis was performed using Graneheim and Lundman's method with MAXQDA software version 10, VERBI Software GmbH, Berlin. The study will utilize the criteria of Lincoln and Guba (1985) for validity and reliability.

DISCUSSION

This qualitative study aims to investigate the experiences and challenges of breastfeeding in mothers with high-risk pregnancies to pinpoint breastfeeding barriers in this demographic and develop essential interventions and strategies to address these obstacles.

Myocardial Recovery and Relapse in Heart Failure With Improved Ejection Fraction

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review is to discuss myocardial recovery in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and to summarize the contemporary insights regarding heart failure with improved ejection fraction (HFimpEF).

Recent findings

Improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≥ 40%) with improved prognosis can be achieved in one out of three (10-40%) patients with HFrEF treated with guideline-directed medical therapy. Clinical predictors include non-ischemic etiology of HFrEF, less abnormal blood or imaging biomarkers, and lack of specific pathogenic genetic variants. However, a subset of patients may ultimately relapse, suggesting that many patients are merely in remission rather than having fully recovered.

Summary

Patients with HFimpEF have improved prognosis but nonetheless remain at risk of relapse and long-term adverse events. Future studies will hopefully chart the natural history of HFimpEF and identify clinical predictors such as blood or novel imaging biomarkers that distinguish subgroups of patients based on differential trajectory and prognosis.

Heart Failure With Improved Ejection Fraction: Prevalence, Predictors, and Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy

Recently, a new category of heart failure with improved ejection fraction (HFimpEF) has emerged in the classification system. This is defined as the subgroup of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) whose left ventricular ejection fraction has recovered partially or completely, with no specific cut-off values established yet in the guidelines. In our review, we aim to provide an overview of prevalence, predictors, mechanism of remodeling, and management strategies regarding HFimpEF. These patients constitute a sizeable cohort among patients with reduced ejection fraction. Certain patient characteristics including younger age and female gender, absence of comorbid conditions, low levels of biomarkers, and non-ischemic etiology were identified as positive predictors. The heart undergoes significant maladaptive changes post failure leading to adverse remodeling influenced etiology and duration. Goal-directed medical therapy including beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) have notably improved cardiac function by inducing reverse remodeling. Despite a more favorable prognosis compared to HFrEF, patients with improved ejection fraction (EF) still face clinical events and reduced quality of life, and remain at risk of adverse outcomes. Although the evidence is scarce, it is advisable to continue treatment modalities despite improvement in EF, including device therapies, to prevent relapse and clinical deterioration. It is imperative to conduct further research to understand the mechanism leading to EF amelioration and establish guidelines to identify and direct management strategies.

Recovery of left ventricular systolic function in peripartum cardiomyopathy: an observational study from rural Tanzania

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the recovery rate of the left ventricular systolic function of women diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy receiving specialized care in rural Tanzania.

METHODS

In this observational study, women diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy at a referral center in rural Tanzania between December 2015 and September 2021 were included. Women diagnosed between February and September 2021 were followed prospectively, those diagnosed between December 2015 and January 2021 were tracked back for a follow-up echocardiography. All participants received a clinical examination, a comprehensive echocardiogram, and a prescription of guideline-directed medical therapy. The primary outcome was recovery of the left ventricular systolic function (left ventricular ejection fraction > 50%).

RESULTS

Median age of the 110 participants was 28.5 years (range 17-45). At enrolment, 49 (45%) participants were already on cardiac medication, 50 (45%) had severe eccentric hypertrophy of the left ventricle, and the median left ventricular ejection fraction was 30% (range 15-46). After a median follow-up of 8.98 months (IQR 5.72-29.37), 61 (55%) participants were still on cardiac medication. Full recovery of the left ventricular systolic function was diagnosed in 76 (69%, 95% CI 59.6-77.6%) participants. In the multivariate analysis, a higher left ventricular ejection fraction at baseline was positively associated with full recovery (each 5% increase; OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.10-2.62, p = 0.012), while higher age was inversely associated (each 10 years increase; OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.19-0.82, p = 0.012).

CONCLUSION

Left ventricular systolic function recovered completely in 69% of study participants with peripartum cardiomyopathy from rural Tanzania under specialized care.

Transient Left Ventricular Dysfunction from Cardiomyopathies to Myocardial Viability: When and Why Cardiac Function Recovers

Transient left ventricular dysfunction (TLVD), a temporary condition marked by reversible impairment of ventricular function, remains an underdiagnosed yet significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in clinical practice. Unlike the well-explored atherosclerotic disease of the epicardial coronary arteries, the diverse etiologies of TLVD require greater attention for proper diagnosis and management. The spectrum of disorders associated with TLVD includes stress-induced cardiomyopathy, central nervous system injuries, histaminergic syndromes, various inflammatory diseases, pregnancy-related conditions, and genetically determined syndromes. Furthermore, myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) origins such as coronary artery spasm, coronary thromboembolism, and spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) may also manifest as TLVD, eventually showing recovery. This review highlights the range of ischemic and non-ischemic clinical situations that lead to TLVD, gathering conditions like Tako-Tsubo Syndrome (TTS), Kounis syndrome (KS), Myocarditis, Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM), and Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TIC). Differentiation amongst these causes is crucial, as they involve distinct clinical, instrumental, and genetic predictors that bode different outcomes and recovery potential for left ventricular function. The purpose of this review is to improve everyday clinical approaches to treating these diseases by providing an extensive survey of conditions linked with TLVD and the elements impacting prognosis and outcomes.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy unveiled: Etiology, diagnosis, and therapeutic insights

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) remains a significant challenge in maternal health, marked by its unpredictable onset and varied clinical outcomes. With rising incidence rates globally, understanding PPCM is vital for improving maternal care and prognosis. This review aims to consolidate current knowledge on PPCM, highlighting recent advancements in its diagnosis, management, and therapeutic approaches. This comprehensive review delves into the epidemiology of PPCM, underscoring its global impact and demographic variations. We explore the complex etiology of the condition, examining known risk factors and discussing the potential pathophysiological mechanisms, including oxidative stress and hormonal influences. The clinical presentation of PPCM, often similar yet distinct from other forms of cardiomyopathy, is analyzed to aid in differential diagnosis. Diagnostic challenges are addressed, emphasizing the role of advanced imaging and biomarkers. Current management strategies are reviewed, focusing on the absence of disease-specific treatments and the application of general heart failure protocols. The review also discusses the prognosis of PPCM, factors influencing recovery, and the implications for future pregnancies. Finally, we highlight emerging research directions and the urgent need for disease-specific therapies, aiming to provide a roadmap for future studies and improved patient care. This review serves as a crucial resource for clinicians and researchers, contributing to a deeper understanding and better management of PPCM.

Advancing Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy in Heart Failure: Overcoming Challenges and Maximizing Benefits

The delayed titration of guideline-directed drug therapy (GDMT) is a complex event influenced by multiple factors that often result in poor prognosis for patients with heart failure (HF). Individualized adjustments in GDMT titration may be necessary based on patient characteristics, and every clinician is responsible for promptly initiating GDMT and titrating it appropriately within the patient's tolerance range. This review examines the current challenges in GDMT implementation and scrutinizes titration considerations within distinct subsets of HF patients, with the overarching goal of enhancing the adoption and effectiveness of GDMT. The authors also underscore the significance of establishing a novel management strategy that integrates cardiologists, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and patients as a unified team that can contribute to the improved promotion and implementation of GDMT.

A novel score to predict left ventricular recovery in peripartum cardiomyopathy derived from the ESC EORP Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Registry

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

There are no established clinical tools to predict left ventricular (LV) recovery in women with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). Using data from women enrolled in the ESC EORP PPCM Registry, the aim was to derive a prognostic model to predict LV recovery at 6 months and develop the 'ESC EORP PPCM Recovery Score'-a tool for clinicians to estimate the probability of LV recovery.

METHODS

From 2012 to 2018, 752 women from 51 countries were enrolled. Eligibility included (i) a peripartum state, (ii) signs or symptoms of heart failure, (iii) LV ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 45%, and (iv) exclusion of alternative causes of heart failure. The model was derived using data from participants in the Registry and internally validated using bootstrap methods. The outcome was LV recovery (LVEF ≥50%) at six months. An integer score was created.

RESULTS

Overall, 465 women had a 6-month echocardiogram. LV recovery occurred in 216 (46.5%). The final model included baseline LVEF, baseline LV end diastolic diameter, human development index (a summary measure of a country's social and economic development), duration of symptoms, QRS duration and pre-eclampsia. The model was well-calibrated and had good discriminatory ability (C-statistic 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.74-0.83). The model was internally validated (optimism-corrected C-statistic 0.78, 95% CI 0.73-0.82).

CONCLUSIONS

A model which accurately predicts LV recovery at 6 months in women with PPCM was derived. The corresponding ESC EORP PPCM Recovery Score can be easily applied in clinical practice to predict the probability of LV recovery for an individual in order to guide tailored counselling and treatment.

Placental senescence pathophysiology is shared between peripartum cardiomyopathy and preeclampsia in mouse and human

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is an idiopathic form of pregnancy-induced heart failure associated with preeclampsia. Circulating factors in late pregnancy are thought to contribute to both diseases, suggesting a common underlying pathophysiological process. However, what drives this process remains unclear. Using serum proteomics, we identified the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), a marker of cellular senescence associated with biological aging, as the most highly up-regulated pathway in young women with PPCM or preeclampsia. Placentas from women with preeclampsia displayed multiple markers of amplified senescence and tissue aging, as well as overall increased gene expression of 28 circulating proteins that contributed to SASP pathway enrichment in serum samples from patients with preeclampsia or PPCM. The most highly expressed placental SASP factor, activin A, was associated with cardiac dysfunction or heart failure severity in women with preeclampsia or PPCM. In a murine model of PPCM induced by cardiomyocyte-specific deletion of the gene encoding peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α, inhibiting activin A signaling in the early postpartum period with a monoclonal antibody to the activin type II receptor improved heart function. In addition, attenuating placental senescence with the senolytic compound fisetin in late pregnancy improved cardiac function in these animals. These findings link senescence biology to cardiac dysfunction in pregnancy and help to elucidate the pathogenesis underlying cardiovascular diseases of pregnancy.

The Impact of Coronary Artery Disease on Outcomes in Patients With Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

Introduction The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) among patients admitted with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) as well as to analyze the independent association of CAD with in-hospital outcomes among PPCM patients. Methods Data were obtained from the National Inpatient Sample from January 2016 to December 2019. We assessed the independent association of CAD with outcomes in patients admitted with PPCM. Predictors of mortality in patients admitted with PPCM were also analyzed. Results There was a total of 4,730 patients with PPCM, 146 of whom had CAD (3.1%). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that CAD in patients with PPCM was independently associated with several outcomes, and, among them, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 58.457, 95% CI: 5.403-632.504, p= 0.001) was positively associated with CAD. CAD was found to be protective against preeclampsia (aOR: 0.351, 95% CI: 0.126-0.979, p = 0.045). Predictors of in-hospital mortality for patients with PPCM include cardiogenic shock (aOR: 12.818, 95% CI: 7.332-22.411, p = 0.001), non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) (OR: 3.429, 95% CI: 1.43-8.22, p = 0.006), chronic kidney disease (OR: 2.851, 95% CI: 1.495-5.435, p = 0.001), and atrial fibrillation (OR: 2.326, 95% CI: 1.145-4.723, p = 0.020). Conclusion In a large cohort of patients admitted with PPCM, we found the prevalence of CAD to be 3.1%. CAD was associated with several adverse outcomes, including STEMI, but protective against preeclampsia.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy: A case report of decompensated heart failure in a hypertensive patient

RATIONALE

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) occurring in the context of hypertension presents a unique clinical challenge. This case contributes to the medical literature by highlighting the complexities of managing heart failure in postpartum women with pre-existing hypertensive disorders, particularly when complicated by a history of preeclampsia.

PATIENT CONCERNS

Mrs. O.O., a 34-year-old hypertensive woman, presented with progressive dyspnea, bilateral leg swelling, and orthopnea. Notably, she had a history of previous preeclampsia and exhibited worsening symptoms over several months.

DIAGNOSES

The patient was diagnosed with decompensated heart failure secondary to PPCM, exacerbated by hypertension and anemia.

INTERVENTIONS

Therapeutic interventions included diuretics, angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors, digoxin, and anticoagulation. Additionally, lifestyle modifications and dietary restrictions were implemented.

OUTCOMES

Following treatment adjustments, the patient demonstrated significant improvement in symptoms, exercise tolerance, and cardiac function. The transition from NYHA class III to class II heart failure indicated successful management.

LESSONS

This case underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to managing PPCM in hypertensive patients, with attention to cardiovascular and obstetric factors. It highlights the effectiveness of multidisciplinary care in achieving positive outcomes and emphasizes the need for heightened vigilance in postpartum women with cardiovascular risk factors.

Cardiovascular multimodality imaging in women: a scientific statement of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging of the European Society of Cardiology

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent an important cause of mortality and morbidity in women. It is now recognized that there are sex differences regarding the prevalence and the clinical significance of the traditional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors as well as the pathology underlying a range of CVDs. Unfortunately, women have been under-represented in most CVD imaging studies and trials regarding diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics. There is therefore a clear need for further investigation of how CVD affects women along their life span. Multimodality CV imaging plays a key role in the diagnosis of CVD in women as well as in prognosis, decision-making, and monitoring of therapeutics and interventions. However, multimodality imaging in women requires specific consideration given the differences in CVD between the sexes. These differences relate to physiological changes that only women experience (e.g. pregnancy and menopause) as well as variation in the underlying pathophysiology of CVD and also differences in the prevalence of certain conditions such as connective tissue disorders, Takotsubo, and spontaneous coronary artery dissection, which are all more common in women. This scientific statement on CV multimodality in women, an initiative of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging of the European Society of Cardiology, reviews the role of multimodality CV imaging in the diagnosis, management, and risk stratification of CVD, as well as highlights important gaps in our knowledge that require further investigation.

Cardiomyopathies in Women

Heart failure affects over 2.6 million people in the United States. While women have better overall survival rates, they also suffer from higher morbidity as shown by higher rates of hospitalization and worse quality of life. Several anatomical differences in women's hearts affect both systolic and diastolic cardiac physiology. Despite these findings, women are significantly underrepresented in clinical trials, necessitating extrapolation of data from males. Because women have sex-specific etiologies of heart failure and unique manifestations in genetic-related cardiomyopathies, meaningful sex-related differences affect heart failure outcomes as well as access to and outcomes in advanced heart failure therapies in women. This review explores these gender-specific differences and potential solutions to balance care between women and men.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy in low- and middle-income countries

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) causes pregnancy-associated heart failure, typically during the last month of pregnancy, and up to 6 months post-partum, in women without known cardiovascular disease. PPCM is a global disease, but with a significant geographical variability within and between countries. Its true incidence in Africa is still unknown because of the lack of a PPCM population-based study. The variability in the epidemiology of PPCM between and within countries could be due to differences in the prevalence of both genetic and non-genetic risk factors. Several risk factors have been implicated in the aetiopathogenesis of PPCM over the years. Majority of patients with PPCM present with symptoms and signs of congestive cardiac failure. Diagnostic work up in PPCM is prompted by strong clinical suspicion, but Echocardiography is the main imaging technique for diagnosis. The management of PPCM involves multiple disciplines - cardiologists, anaesthetists, intensivists, obstetricians, neonatologists, and the prognosis varies widely.

Contemporary Management of Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure in Pregnancy

Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of pregnancy-related mortality and morbidity in the United States, and maternal mortality has increased over the last decade. Pregnancy and the postpartum period are associated with significant vascular, metabolic, and physiologic adaptations that can unmask new heart failure or exacerbate heart failure symptoms in women with known underlying cardiomyopathy. There are unique management considerations for heart failure in women throughout pregnancy, and it is imperative that clinicians caring for pregnant women understand these important principles. Early involvement of multidisciplinary cardio-obstetrics teams is key to optimizing maternal and fetal outcomes. In this review, we discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in the diagnosis of heart failure in pregnancy, management principles along the continuum of pregnancy, and the safety of heart failure therapies during and after pregnancy.

A disease of her own? Unique features of heart failure in women

Heart failure (HF) is a significant and growing public health challenge for women. Compared with men, women tend to develop HF later in life and are more likely to experience HF with preserved ejection fraction. There are also significant sex differences in outcomes, with women reporting lower quality of life but overall better survival versus men. In this review, we summarize sex differences in traditional HF risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity and coronary artery disease, as well as female-specific HF risk factors including menopause, pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes, and breast cancer therapy. While our understanding of the sex-specific efficacy of HF therapy remains limited by the underrepresentation of women in major clinical trials, there is a suggestion of preferential benefit of specific agents for women. Further work is required to better understand the pathophysiology of HF in women uniquely and to increase representation of women in clinical trials.

Cardiogenic Shock and Utilization of Mechanical Circulatory Support in Pregnancy

Maternal mortality rates are rising in the United States, a trend which is in contrast to that seen in other high-income nations. Cardiovascular disease and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are consistently the leading causes of maternal mortality both in the United States and globally, accounting for about one-quarter to one-third of maternal and peripartum deaths. A large proportion of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality stems from acquired disease in the context of cardiovascular risk factors, which include obesity, pre-existing diabetes and hypertension, and inequities in care from maternal care deserts and structural racism. Patients may also become pregnant with preexisting structural heart disease, or acquire disease throughout pregnancy (ex: spontaneous coronary artery dissection, peripartum cardiomyopathy), and be at higher risk of pregnancy-related cardiovascular complications. While risk-stratification tools including the modified World Health Organization (mWHO) classification, Cardiac Disease in Pregnancy (CARPREG II) and Zwangerschap bij Aangeboren HARtAfwijking/Pregnancy in Women with Congenital Heart Disease (ZAHARA) have been designed to help physicians identify patients at increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes and who may therefore benefit from referral to a tertiary care center, the limitation of these scores is their predominant focus on patients with known preexisting heart disease. As such, identifying patients at risk for pregnancy complications presents a significant challenge, and it is often patients with high-risk cardiovascular substrates prior to or during pregnancy who are at a highest risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes including cardiogenic shock.

Left ventricular recovery in an African cohort of patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare and potentially life-threatening disease associated with pregnancy. There are limited data regarding the outcome of PPCM and its predictive factors in sub-Saharan African patients. We prospectively conducted a double-center (cardiology unit of the department of medicine, Regional Hospital Center of Tenkodogo, Burkina Faso and the department of cardiology of the National Referral Teaching Hospital of N´Djamena, Chad) cohort study in patients with PPCM. Patients were consecutively enrolled from January 2015 to December 2017. Outcomes of interest were left ventricular recovery and poor outcome at one year. Ninety-four patients enrolled with a median age of 28 years. At one-year follow-up, 40.5% of them recovered their left ventricular function. Cox multiple regression analysis revealed that higher left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF), lower natremia and use of betablockers were baseline variables predicting this end-point. Of the entire study population, 26.60% exhibited the composite end-point of death (n=15) or remaining in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III-IV or LVEF < 35%. Predictors of poor outcome were lower LVEF at baseline, hyponatremia and use of digoxin. The current cohort study demonstrated that PPCM in sub-Saharan Africa is associated with limited myocardial recovery and significant rate of poor outcome at one year. Therefore, additional studies are needed to better address the disease.

Outcomes at one year in women with peripartum cardiomyopathy: Findings from the ESC EORP PPCM Registry

AIMS

There are few prospective reports of 1-year outcomes for women with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). We report findings from the European Society of Cardiology EURObservational Research Programme PPCM Registry.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The registry enrolled women from 51 countries from 2012 to 2018. Eligibility included: (i) a peripartum state, (ii) signs or symptoms of heart failure, (iii) left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction ≤45%, (iv) exclusion of alternative causes of heart failure. We report mortality, thromboembolism, stroke, rehospitalization, LV recovery and remodelling at 1 year. Differences between regions were compared. One-year mortality data were available in 535 (71%) women and follow-up differed across regions. At 1 year, death from any cause occurred in 8.4% of women, with regional variation (Europe 4.9%, Africa 6.5%, Asia-Pacific 9.2%, Middle East 18.9%; p < 0.001). The frequencies of thromboembolism and stroke were 6.3% and 2.5%, respectively, and were similar across regions. A total of 14.0% of women had at least one rehospitalization and 3.5% had recurrent rehospitalizations (i.e. two or more). Overall, 66.1% of women had recovery of LV function (22% between 6 months and 1 year), with a mean LV ejection fraction increase from baseline of 21.2% (±13.6). Recovery occurred most frequently in Asia-Pacific (77.5%) and least frequently in the Middle East (32.7%). There were significant regional differences in the use of heart failure pharmacotherapies.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 1 in 12 women with PPCM had died by 1 year and thromboembolism and stroke occurred in 6.3% and 2.5%, respectively. Around 1 in 7 women had been rehospitalized and, in 1 in 3, LV recovery had not occurred. PPCM is associated with substantial mortality and morbidity globally.

Predicting poor left ventricular function recovery in Peripartum cardiomyopathy

INTRODUCTION

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare type of cardiomyopathy that manifests as acute heart failure associated with pregnancy. Delays in early identification result in poor recovery of left ventricular (LV) function; however, no risk prediction model exists. We sought to yield a scoring system known as the Padjadjaran Peripartum CardioMyopathy Recovery (PPCM recovery) score to predict the probability of poor LV function recovery in PPCM patients.

METHODS

All baseline and clinical parameters were prospectively collected from a cohort of patients with PPCM admitted to Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital in Bandung, Indonesia between January 2014 and December 2021. Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between each variable and the risk of poor LV function recovery in PPCM patients.

RESULTS

This prospective cohort study included 113 patients with PPCM (84 recovered and 29 non-recovered patients). Significant mitral regurgitation (MR), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <30%, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) ≥56 mm, and New York Heart Association functional class (NYHA FC) IV were all strong predictors of poor LV function recovery. These variables were integrated into the PPCM recovery score (AUC of 0.85). Patients with a score of ≥8 were nearly 18 times more likely to have poor LV function recovery (sensitivity 57%, specificity 93%).

CONCLUSION

PPCM recovery score is a convenient scoring system based on clinical and echocardiography assessment that may assist in distinguishing which patients are more likely to develop poor LV function recovery; therefore, these patients should be immediately referred to a tertiary referral hospital.

Association of activin A and postpartum blood pressure in peripartum cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Activin A has been implicated in the pathogenesis of patients with chronic hypertension and heart failure as well as patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). Whether activin A correlates with blood pressure in patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) and HDP history has not previously been explored.

METHODS AND RESULTS

82 women with PPCM w/ and w/out HDP or hypertension history were selected for analysis from the Investigations in Pregnancy Associated Cardiomyopathy (IPAC) study. Serum biomarkers and blood pressure were assessed at the time of enrollment (median postpartum day 24). Levels of both sFlt-1 (SBP: r 0.47, p = 0.008; DBP: r 0.57, p < 0.001) and activin A (SBP: r 0.59, p < 0.001;DBP: r 0.68, p < 0.001) were noted to significantly correlate with blood pressure in patients with a history of HDP who went on to develop PPCM, but not in patients with chronic hypertension or no hypertensive history. The strongest correlation was between activin A levels and postpartum diastolic blood pressure for the subset with preeclampsia (DBP: r0.82, p < 0.001). This remained significant in multivariable linear regression analysis (DBP: β = 0.011, p = 0.015).

CONCLUSION

In patients with PPCM, activin A and sFlt-1 levels had direct correlations with both systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressures (DBP), but only in participants with history of HDP. This correlation was more evident for activin A and strongest with a history of preeclampsia. Our findings suggest that activin A may play an important role in blood pressure modulation in women with HDP who subsequently develop PPCM.

Association Between Race, Cardiology Care, and the Receipt of Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy in Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Black patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) have disproportionately worse outcomes than White patients, possibly related to variable involvement of cardiovascular specialists in their clinical care. We sought to determine whether race was associated with cardiology involvement in clinical care during inpatient admission and whether cardiology involvement in care was associated with higher claims of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) a week after hospital discharge.

METHODS

Using Optum's de-identified Clinformatics® Data Mart (CDM), we included Black and White patients' first hospital admission for PPCM from 2008 to 2021. Cardiology involvement in clinical care was defined as the receipt of attending care from a cardiovascular specialist during admission. GDMT included beta-blockers (BB) for all patients and triple therapy (BB, angiotensin-responsive medications, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists) for non-pregnant patients. Logistic regression was used to determine the associations between cardiology involvement in clinical care during admission and (1) patient race and (2) GDMT prescription, adjusting for age and comorbidities.

RESULTS

Among 668 patients (32.6% Black, 67.4% White, 93.3% commercially insured), there was no significant difference in the odds of cardiology involvement in clinical care by race (aOR: 1.41; 95%CI: 0.87-2.33, P=0.17). Inpatient cardiology care was associated with 2.75 times increased odds of having a prescription claim for GDMT (BB) for White patients (aOR: 2.75; 95%CI 1.50-5.06, P=0.001), and the estimated effect size was similar but not statistically significant for Black patients (aOR: 2.20, 95% CI, 0.84-5.71, P=0.11). The interaction between race and cardiology involvement in clinical care was not statistically significant for the receipt of BB prescription. Among 274 non-pregnant patients with PPCM (37.2% Black, 62.8% White), 5.8% received triple GDMT. Of these, none of the Black patients lacking cardiology care had triple GDMT. However, cardiology involvement in care was not significantly associated with triple GDMT for either race.

CONCLUSIONS

Among a commercially insured population within PPCM, race was not associated with cardiology involvement in clinical care during hospitalization. However, cardiology involvement in care was associated with significantly higher odds of prescription claims for BB for only White patients. Additional strategies are needed to support equitable GDMT prescription.

2023 HRS expert consensus statement on the management of arrhythmias during pregnancy

This international multidisciplinary expert consensus statement is intended to provide comprehensive guidance that can be referenced at the point of care to cardiac electrophysiologists, cardiologists, and other health care professionals, on the management of cardiac arrhythmias in pregnant patients and in fetuses. This document covers general concepts related to arrhythmias, including both brady- and tachyarrhythmias, in both the patient and the fetus during pregnancy. Recommendations are provided for optimal approaches to diagnosis and evaluation of arrhythmias; selection of invasive and noninvasive options for treatment of arrhythmias; and disease- and patient-specific considerations when risk stratifying, diagnosing, and treating arrhythmias in pregnant patients and fetuses. Gaps in knowledge and new directions for future research are also identified.

Common Cardiovascular Diseases in Women

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death for women in the United States. This article encompasses the epidemiology/etiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic assessment, management, and prognosis of some common cardiovascular disorders seen in women with a special focus on pregnancy.

Cardio-Obstetrics and Heart Failure: JACC: Heart Failure State-of-the-Art Review

Heart failure and cardiomyopathy are significant contributors to pregnancy-related deaths, as maternal morbidity and mortality have been increasing over time. In this setting, the role of the multidisciplinary cardio-obstetrics team is crucial to optimizing maternal, obstetrical and fetal outcomes. Although peripartum cardiomyopathy is the most common cardiomyopathy experienced by pregnant individuals, the hemodynamic changes of pregnancy may unmask a pre-existing cardiomyopathy leading to clinical decompensation. Additionally, there are unique management considerations for women with pre-existing cardiomyopathy as well as for those women with advanced heart failure who may be on left ventricular assist device support or have undergone heart transplantation. The purpose of this review is to discuss: 1) preconception counseling; 2) risk stratification and management strategies for pregnant women extending to the postpartum "fourth trimester" with pre-existing heart failure or "pre-heart failure;" 3) the safety of heart failure medications during pregnancy and lactation; and 4) management of pregnancy for women on left ventricular assist device support or after heart transplantation.

Analysis of Clinical Profiles and Echocardiographic Cardiac Outcomes in Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM) vs. PPCM with Co-Existing Hypertensive Pregnancy Disorder (HPD-PPCM) Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a form of new-onset heart failure that has a high rate of maternal morbidity and mortality. This was the first study to systematically investigate and compare clinical factors and echocardiographic findings between women with PPCM and co-incident hypertensive pregnancy disorders (HPD-PPCM) and PPCM-only women. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) framework. We used four databases and a single search engine, namely PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane. We used Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB) 2.0 for quality assessment. Databases were searched for relevant articles published from 2013 to the end of April 2023. The meta-analysis used the DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model to analyze the pooled mean difference (MD) and its p-value. We included four studies with a total of 64,649 participants and found that systolic blood pressure was significantly more likely to be associated with the PPCM group than the HPD-PPCM group (SMD = -1.63) (95% CI; -4.92,0.28, p = 0.01), while the other clinical profiles were not significant. HPD-PPCM was less likely to be associated with LVEF reduction (SMD = -1.55, [CI: -2.89, -0.21], p = 0.02). HPD-PPCM was significantly associated with less LV dilation (SMD = 1.81; 95% (CI 0.07-3.01), p = 0.04). Moreover, HPD-PPCM was less likely to be associated with relative wall thickness reduction (SMD = 0.70; 95% CI (-1.08--0.33), p = 0.0003). In conclusion, PPCM and HPD-PPCM shared different clinical profiles and remodeling types, which may affect each disease's response to pharmacological treatment. Patients with HPD-PPCM exhibited less eccentric remodeling and seemed to have a higher chance of recovering their LV ejection fraction, which means they might not benefit as much from ACEi/ARB and beta-blockers. The findings of this study will guide the development of guidelines for women with PPCM and HPD-PPCM from early detection to further management.

Long-Term Outcomes of Women With Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Having Subsequent Pregnancies

BACKGROUND

Long-term maternal outcomes of subsequent pregnancies (SSPs) in patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) have not been analyzed.

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to evaluate the long-term survival of SSPs in women with PPCM.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of 137 PPCMs in the registry. The clinical and echocardiographic findings were compared between the recovery group (RG) and nonrecovery group (NRG), defined as left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50% and <50% after an index of pregnancy, respectively.

RESULTS

Forty-five patients with SSPs were included with a mean age of 27.0 ± 6.1 years, 80% were of African American descent, and 75.6% from a low socioeconomic background. Thirty (66.7%) women were in the RG. Overall, SSPs were associated with a decrease in mean left ventricular ejection fraction from 45.1% ± 13.7% to 41.2% ± 14.5% (P = 0.009). At 5 years, adverse outcomes were significantly higher in the NRG compared with the RG (53.3% vs 20%; P = 0.04), driven by relapse PPCM (53.3% vs 20.0%; P = 0.03). Five-year all-cause mortality was 13.33% in the NRG compared with 3.33% in the RG (P = 0.25). At a median follow-up of 8 years, adverse outcomes and all-cause mortality rates were similar in the NRG and RG (53.3% vs 33.3% [P = 0.20] and 20% vs 20%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Subsequent pregnancies in women with PPCM are associated with adverse events. The normalization of left ventricular function does not guarantee a favorable outcome in the SSPs.

Pre-eclampsia and Cardiovascular Disease: From Pregnancy to Postpartum

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) complicate approximately 10% of pregnancies. In addition to multiorgan manifestations related to endothelial dysfunction, HDP confers an increased risk of cardiovascular disease during delivery hospitalisation, such as heart failure, pulmonary oedema, acute MI and cerebrovascular events. However, the cardiovascular legacy of HDP extends beyond birth since these women are significantly more likely to develop cardiovascular risk factors in the immediate postnatal period and major cardiovascular disease in the long term. The main mediator of cardiovascular disease in women with a history of HDP is chronic hypertension, followed by obesity, hypercholesterolaemia and diabetes. Therefore, optimising blood pressure levels from the immediate postpartum period until the first months postnatally could have beneficial effects on the development of hypertension and improve long-term cardiovascular health. Peripartum screening based on maternal demographic, and clinical and echocardiographic data could help clinicians identify women with HDP at highest risk of developing postpartum hypertension who would benefit from targeted primary cardiovascular prevention.

Early-onset peri-partum cardiomyopathy in a twin gestation: A rare presentation

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare pregnancy-associated dilated cardiomyopathy occurring in the last month of pregnancy and five months postdelivery, which presents with features of cardiac failure. Diagnosis is based on characteristic echocardiographic findings and elevated cardiac biomarkers and has significant mortality and morbidity when undiagnosed and untreated. Atypical presentations in earlier gestations are rare and associated with risk factors. Here we present a case of PPCM diagnosed in the second trimester in a post in vitro fertilization (IVF) twin pregnancy to emphasize the importance of considering the diagnosis of PPCM in all cases of unexplained cardiac failures during pregnancy in previously healthy patients, especially in the presence of risk factors.

An Interesting Case of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy With Biventricular Thrombi

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a cause of heart failure that develops within five months postpartum. Biventricular thrombosis is a rare complication of PPCM with only a few cases reported in the literature. Here, we report a case of PPCM with biventricular thrombosis that was successfully treated with medical management.

Transthoracic Echocardiographic Assessment of the Heart in Pregnancy-a position statement on behalf of the British Society of Echocardiography and the United Kingdom Maternal Cardiology Society

Pregnancy is a dynamic process associated with profound hormonally mediated haemodynamic changes which result in structural and functional adaptations in the cardiovascular system. An understanding of the myocardial adaptations is important for echocardiographers and clinicians undertaking or interpreting echocardiograms on pregnant and post-partum women. This guideline, on behalf of the British Society of Echocardiography and United Kingdom Maternal Cardiology Society, reviews the expected echocardiographic findings in normal pregnancy and in different cardiac disease states, as well as echocardiographic signs of decompensation. It aims to lay out a structure for echocardiographic scanning and surveillance during and after pregnancy as well as suggesting practical advice on scanning pregnant women.

Association polymorphism of guanine nucleotide–binding protein β3 subunit (GNB3) C825T and insertion/deletion of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene with peripartum cardiomyopathy

Introduction

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a potentially life-threatening pregnancy-related heart disease. Genetic roles such as gene polymorphisms may relate to the etiology of PPCM. This study analyzes the association between single nucleotide gene polymorphism (SNP) guanine nucleotide–binding protein beta-3 subunit (GNB3) C825T and insertion/deletion (I/D) of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene with the incidence of PPCM.

Methods

An analytic observational study with a case–control design was conducted at the Integrated Cardiac Service Center of Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia. PPCM patients of the case and control groups were enrolled. Baseline characteristic data were collected and blood samples were analyzed for SNP in the GNB3 C825T gene and for I/D in the ACE gene by using the polymerase chain reaction, restriction fragment length polymorphism, and Sanger sequencing. We also assessed ACE levels among different ACE genotypes using a sandwich-ELISA test.

Results

A total of 100 patients were included in this study, with 34 PPCM cases and 66 controls. There were significant differences in GNB3 TT and TC genotypes in the case group compared with that in the control group (TT: 35.3% vs. 10.6%, p = 0.003; TC: 41.2% vs. 62.5%, p = 0.022). The TT genotype increased the risk of PPCM by 4.6-fold. There was also a significant difference in the ACE DD genotype in the case group compared with that in the control group (26.5% vs. 9.1%, p = 0.021). DD genotypes increased the risk of PPCM by 3.6-fold. ACE levels were significantly higher in the DD genotype group than in the ID and II genotype groups (4,356.88 ± 232.44 pg/mL vs. 3,980.91 ± 77.79 pg/mL vs. 3,679.94 ± 325.77 pg/mL, p &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion

The TT genotype of GNB3 and the DD genotype of the ACE are likely to increase the risk of PPCM. Therefore, these polymorphisms may be predisposing risk factors for PPCM incidence. ACE levels were significantly higher in the DD genotype group, which certainly had clinical implications for the management of PPCM patients in the administration of ACE inhibitors as one of the therapy options.

Prognostic Value of Cardiac MRI Late Gadolinium Enhancement in Patients with Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: A Retrospective Study

A significant proportion of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) patients experience persistent heart failure even death, the underneath reason of non-recovery may attribute to the myocardial tissue damage. This study aims to explore the prognostic value of cardiac MRI late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in women with PPCM, and further establish a predictive model for poor outcomes. Eighty-four consecutively diagnosed women with PPCM underwent cardiac MRI between January 2010 to December 2019. A combined endpoint of poor outcomes (death, New York Heart Association functional class III/IV, heart transplantation or a persistently reduced left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF)] and complete recovery [an LVEF ≥50%]) were defined. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and nomogram model were performed to demonstrate prognostic value of cardiac MRI. Higher occurrence of LGE was detected in PPCM women with reached poor outcomes than those who completely recovered (odds ratio: 4.4, 95% CI: 2.6 to 7.5, P<0.001) . PPCM women with LGE+ were more likely to reach combined endpoint of poor outcomes than those with LGE- (odds ratio: 8.2, 95% CI: 1.1 to 59.2, P=0.003). The poor outcome-free rates PPCM women in the group with LGE were lower than those without LGE (log-rank χ²=13.5, P<0.001). LGE presence (hazard ratio [HR]=10.7, 95% CI: 1.38-83.5, P<0.05) and LGE extent (HR=1.2, 95% CI: 1.0-1.3, P<0.05) were prognostic factors for poor outcomes. The predictive nomogram model on LGE showed good discrimination (C index=0.8, 95% CI: 0.6-0.9).Cardiac MRI LGE was an incremental predictive modality for poor outcomes and risk stratification in women with PPCM.

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.

Reproductive health after thoracic transplantation: An ISHLT expert consensus statement

Pregnancy after thoracic organ transplantation is feasible for select individuals but requires multidisciplinary subspecialty care. Key components for a successful pregnancy after lung or heart transplantation include preconception and contraceptive planning, thorough risk stratification, optimization of maternal comorbidities and fetal health through careful monitoring, and open communication with shared decision-making. The goal of this consensus statement is to summarize the current evidence and provide guidance surrounding preconception counseling, patient risk assessment, medical management, maternal and fetal outcomes, obstetric management, and pharmacologic considerations.

Clinical characteristics, predictors and pregnancy outcomes in Indian women with peripartum cardiomyopathy

Background

Predictors, pregnancy and subsequent pregnancy outcomes in women with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) are poorly understood in our geographical region.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed 58 women with PPCM diagnosed using criteria by the European Society of Cardiology during 2015 to 2019. The main outcome measures were predictors of left ventricular (LV) recovery. LV recovery was defined as return of LV ejection fraction to over 50%.

Results

Nearly 80% of women had LV recovery during 6 months follow up. Univariate logistic regression revealed LV end diastolic diameter (adjusted odds ratio (OR); 0.87; 95% CI, 0.78-0.98; p = 0.02), LV end systolic diameter (OR; 0.89; 95% CI, 0.8-0.98; p = 0.02) and inotrope use (OR; 0.2, 95% CI, 0.05-0.7; p = 0.01) as predictors of LV recovery. Relapse was not seen in any of the nine women who had a subsequent pregnancy.

Conclusion

LV recovery was higher than those reported in contemporary PPCM cohorts from other parts of the world.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2023 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The American Heart Association, through its Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update with review of published literature through the year before writing. The 2023 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort in 2022 by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. The American Heart Association strives to further understand and help heal health problems inflicted by structural racism, a public health crisis that can significantly damage physical and mental health and perpetuate disparities in access to health care, education, income, housing, and several other factors vital to healthy lives. This year's edition includes additional COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) publications, as well as data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, with an enhanced focus on health equity across several key domains.

RESULTS

Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes in patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) receiving left ventricular assist devices (LVAD)

BACKGROUND

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare cause of heart failure (HF), presenting with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction either at the end of pregnancy or in the months following delivery. In rare cases, PPCM leads to severe impairment of LV function, refractory cardiogenic shock or advanced HF. LV assist devices (LVAD) have been shown to be a feasible treatment option in advanced HF. However, little is known about long-term outcomes and prognosis of PPCM patients undergoing LVAD implantation.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of data from PPCM patients undergoing LVAD implantation in two tertiary centers with respect to long-term outcomes was performed.

RESULTS

Twelve patients of median age 30 (18-39) years were included. Eight patients were experiencing cardiogenic shock (INTERMACS 1) at implantation. Seven patients were implanted within 1 month of their PPCM diagnosis. Median duration of LVAD support was 19 (2-92) months with median follow up of 67 (18-136) months (100% complete). In-hospital and 1-year mortality were 0% and 8.3%, respectively. Two patients died on LVAD support, four patients were successfully bridged to transplantation, two patients are still on LVAD, and four were successfully weaned due to sufficient LV recovery (one died after LV function deteriorated again).

CONCLUSION

LVAD treatment of decompensated end-stage PPCM is feasible. Early LVAD provision led to hemodynamic stabilization in our cohort and facilitated safe LV recovery in one third of these young female patients.

Contemporary Management of Cardiogenic Shock During Pregnancy

Cardiogenic shock is the most extreme cardiovascular disease state during pregnancy. Peripartum cardiomyopathy is the most common cause of cardiogenic shock toward the end of pregnancy and in the early postpartum period. Therapy for cardiogenic shock relies on appropriate phenotyping of shock etiology, severity and ventricular predominance, which are critical in the appropriate selection of medical and mechanical therapy. Mechanical circulatory support may be used as a bridge to recovery or as definitive therapy. Intra-aortic balloon pumps, percutaneous left ventricular assist devices and venoarterial extracorporeal circulatory devices have been successfully used in pregnancy and the postpartum period. The most commonly used mechanical therapy in the pregnant patient is extracorporeal membranous oxygenation circulatory support. The use of mechanical circulatory devices in peripartum cardiomyopathy has contributed to improved survival rates in recent years. Further efforts to identify the optimal mechanical circulatory support strategy for peripartum cardiomyopathy and cardiogenic shock in the peripartum period are needed.

Geographic disparities in peripartum cardiomyopathy outcomes

BACKGROUND

Cardiomyopathy causes more than a third of late postpartum pregnancy-related deaths in the United States, and racial disparities in outcomes among pregnant individuals with cardiomyopathy exist. Underlying community factors may contribute to disparities in peripartum cardiomyopathy outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify the geographic distribution of and disparities in peripartum cardiomyopathy outcomes, hypothesizing that patients living in communities with higher social vulnerability may have worse outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy per the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute definition from January 2000 to November 2017 at a single center, excluding those with a post office box address as a post office box address may not reflect the census tract in which a patient resides. Severe peripartum cardiomyopathy (vs less severe peripartum cardiomyopathy) was defined as ejection fraction <30%, death, intensive care unit admission, left ventricular assist device or implantable cardioverter defibrillator placement, or transplant. The US census tract for the patient's address was linked to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Social Vulnerability Index, a 0 to 1 scale of a community's vulnerability to external stresses on health, with higher values indicating greater vulnerability. The Social Vulnerability Index includes social factors divided into socioeconomic, household composition, minority status, and housing type and transportation themes. The Social Vulnerability Index and Social Vulnerability Index components were compared among patients by peripartum cardiomyopathy severity.

RESULTS

Of 95 patients in the original cohort, 5 were excluded because of the use of a post office box address. Of the remaining 90 patients, 56 met severe peripartum cardiomyopathy criteria. At baseline, individuals with and without severe peripartum cardiomyopathy had similar ages, marital status, payor type, tobacco use, gestational age at delivery, and mode of delivery; however, individuals with severe peripartum cardiomyopathy were more likely to be Black (vs White) (59% vs 29%; P<.007) and less likely to recover ejection fraction (EF) to ≥55% by 12 months (36% vs 62%; P=.02) than individuals with less severe peripartum cardiomyopathy. Patients with severe peripartum cardiomyopathy were more likely to live in areas with a higher Social Vulnerability Index (0.51 vs 0.31; P=.002) and with more residents who were unemployed, impoverished, without a high school diploma, in single-parent households, of minority status, without a vehicle, and in institutionalized group quarters than patients with less severe peripartum cardiomyopathy. The median income was lower in communities of individuals with severe peripartum cardiomyopathy than in communities of individuals with less severe peripartum cardiomyopathy.

CONCLUSION

Patients with severe peripartum cardiomyopathy outcomes were more likely to live in communities with greater social vulnerability than patients with less severe peripartum cardiomyopathy outcomes. To reduce disparities and maternal mortality rates, resources may need to be directed to socially vulnerable communities.