Peripartum cardiomyopathy: a selenium disconnection and an autoimmune connection

Postpartum dilated cardiomyopathy and antiphospholipid syndrome: A rare association revealed by a pulmonary embolism (case report)

Antiphospholipid syndrome is a rare entity that must be systematically evoked in front of recurrent miscarriages associated with venous or arterial thrombosis, its diagnosis is based on a set of clinico-biological arguments. In rare cases, it can be associated with postpartum cardiomyopathy, which is defined by a dysfunction of the left ventricle with an LVEF<45%, which may or may not be associated with a dilation of the left ventricle. This association is rare and poorly described in the literature, which makes management difficult and uncodified. In this context we report the case of a 33-year-old patient with cardiovascular risk factors such as arterial hypertension 2 previous miscarriages and repeated phlebitis, she was admitted to the emergency room for the management of acute dyspnea related to a proximal right pulmonary embolism and in whom the transthoracic echocardiography had objectivated a dilated left ventricle and an alteration of the ejection fraction of the left ventricle, the coronary angiography came back without particularity as part of the etiological work-up, a biological work-up was carried out, which came back in favor of an antiphospholipid syndrome. This case shows diagnostic difficulties and management of this disease.

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.

Conservative Management of a Case of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy in a Young Multigravida

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare disorder that generally affects the elderly multigravida females. It is a type of dilated cardiomyopathy that generally affects the last trimester of pregnancy or early postpartum period. Several risk factors are associated with the development of PPCM. Even though PPCM has greater morbidity, if managed promptly, it can be reverted with minimal morbidity or mortality. We present a case of a young woman, multigravida, with moderate anemia corrected, who was taken for emergency lower segment cesarean section, without previous cardiac evaluation, and ended up with pulmonary edema intraoperatively. Later on, her evaluation was done which came out to be PPCM. She was managed conservatively thereafter with no significant morbidity and a good maternal and perinatal outcome. We should be alert in diagnosing a case of PPCM with prompt treatment to reduce mortality. Cardiovascular conditions cause approximately 26 percent of pregnancy-related deaths which include valvular heart disease and congenital heart disease. Appropriate diagnosis and management are necessary for preventing mishaps.

Prolactin Inhibition in Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Heart failure (HF) is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States. Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) constitutes up to 70% of all HF in pregnancy. Cardiac angiogenic imbalance caused by cleaved 16kDa prolactin has been hypothesized to contribute to the development of PPCM, fueling investigation of prolactin inhibitors for the management of PPCM. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the impact of prolactin inhibition on left ventricular (LV) function and mortality in patients with PPCM. We included English language articles from PubMed and EMBASE published upto March 2022. We pooled the mean difference (MD) for left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at follow-up, odds ratio (OR) for LV recovery and risk ratio (RR) for all-cause mortality using random-effects meta-analysis. Among 548 studies screened, 10 studies (3 randomized control trials (RCTs), 2 retrospective and 5 prospective cohorts) were included in the systematic review. Patients in the Bromocriptine + standard guideline directed medical therapy (GDMT) group had higher LVEF% (pMD 12.56 (95% CI 5.84-19.28, I2=0%) from two cohorts and pMD 14.25 (95% CI 0.61-27.89, I2=88%) from two RCTs) at follow-up compared to standard GDMT alone group. Bromocriptine group also had higher odds of LV recovery (pOR 3.55 (95% CI 1.39-9.1, I2=62)). We did not find any difference in all-cause mortality between the groups. Our analysis demonstrates that the addition of Bromocriptine to standard GDMT was associated with a significant improvement in LVEF% and greater odds of LV recovery, without significant reduction in all-cause mortality.

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.

Nutritional Heart Disease and Cardiomyopathies: JACC Focus Seminar 4/4

This JACC Focus Seminar provides an overview of and highlights recently published research on cardiomyopathies and nutritional heart disease that have a higher prevalence in tropical regions. The development of tropical cardiomyopathies and nutritional cardiovascular disease (CVD) is complicated by high rates of poverty, fragmented health care systems, and suboptimal access to health care because of socioeconomic inequalities, leading to the fact that children, adolescents, and young adults are disproportionally affected. Such tropical cardiomyopathies and nutritional CVD that have not been prevalent in high-income countries in the past decades are now reemerging. When treating migrants or refugees, it is important for attending physicians to consider the burden of endemic diseases in the countries of origin and the likelihood that such patients might be affected. In this review, the authors propose an approach for adequate diagnostic work-up leading to appropriate care for those with suspected or confirmed tropical cardiomyopathies and nutritional CVD.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy and acute heart failure associated with prolonged tocolytic therapy in pregnancy: A case report

RATIONALE

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare and sometimes fatal systolic heart failure that affects women during late pregnancy or the early postpartum period. Heart failure symptoms can mimic the physiological changes of normal pregnancy, and the diagnosis is based on echocardiography.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 38-year-old multiparous woman with a history of cervical incompetence underwent cervical cerclage and received tocolysis for 100 days.

DIAGNOSES

She delivered vaginally at 37 weeks of gestation but developed postpartum decompensated acute heart failure with low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF: 34%) and was diagnosed with PPCM.

INTERVENTIONS

She received standard therapy for acute heart failure.

OUTCOMES

The patient's pulmonary edema cleared, and she was fully ambulatory 6 days after admission. A follow-up echocardiogram 3 months later demonstrated recovery of LVEF to 66%.

LESSONS

Prolonged tocolysis may contribute to cardiomyopathy and should be used with caution. PPCM management requires standard treatments for acute heart failure with modifications for fetal safety.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of prolactin and iron deficiency in peripartum cardiomyopathy

OBJECTIVES

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that compared levels of molecular biomarkers in women with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) to those in healthy pregnant and postpartum women to: (1) assess the evidence for prolactin (PRL) metabolism in PPCM, (2) ascertain the evidence for biomarkers of iron deficiency in PPCM, (3) identify other biomarkers associated with PPCM.

METHODS

We searched Medline, Embase, Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and the Global Health Library from inception without language restriction for studies that compared biomarkers levels in PPCM cases to healthy controls. Pooled standardised mean difference (SMD) was generated using a random effects model for the difference in levels of biomarkers.

RESULTS

Two studies assessed the association of PRL with PPCM, and reported that PPCM cases have higher levels of total PRL. No studies investigated iron metabolism in PPCM. Other biomarkers associated with PPCM included serum levels of natriuretic peptides (SMD=3.77, 95% CI 0.71 to 6.82), albumin (SMD=-0.67, 95% CI -1.01 to -0.32), C-reactive protein (SMD=1.67, 95% CI 0.22 to 3.12), selenium (SMD=-0.73, 95% CI -1.58 to 0.12), cardiac troponins (SMD=1.06, 95% CI 0.33 to 1.80), creatinine (SMD=0.51, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.69), white bloodcells (SMD=0.44, 95 % CI 0.07 to 0.82), haemoglobin (SMD=-0.45, 95% CI -0.64 to-0.26).

CONCLUSIONS

More robust molecular studies are needed to explore the association between prolactin and PPCM in human subjects and to determine the extent to which iron deficiency (with or without anaemia) contributes to the risk of PPCM.

Prevalence and predictors of right ventricular diastolic dysfunction in peripartum cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of right ventricular diastolic dysfunction (RVDD) and its potential predictors in peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) patients.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study carried out in Nigeria. RVDD was defined and graded using Doppler filling and myocardial tissue Doppler velocities obtained at tricuspid annular level.

RESULTS

Forty-three subjects with PPCM and mean age of 26.6 ± 7.0 years were recruited over 6 months. RVDD was found in 30 (69.8 %) subjects, of whom 16 (53.3 %) had grade I, 12 (40.0 %) had grade II and 2 (6.7 %) had grade III severity. RV systolic dysfunction (RVSD), defined as RV fractional area change <35 %, was found in 88.4 %, while combined RVSD and RVDD was found in 58.1 % of patients. Subjects with RVDD had significantly higher tricuspid E/e' ratio (5.1 ± 2.8 versus 3.5 ± 1.0, p = 0.012) and prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (76.7 versus 46.2 %; p < 0.05), and lower serum selenium concentration (55.6 ± 12.1 versus 72.5 ± 12.0 µg/L, p = 0.001) than those with preserved RV diastolic function. Regression analyses showed serum selenium [odds ratio (OR) = 1.14; 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 1.0-1.3; p = 0.049] and combined RVSD and pulmonary hypertension (OR = 79.2; CI = 3.9-1593.7; p = 0.004) as the only predictors of RVDD, and serum selenium <70 µg/L increased the odds of RVDD by 6.67-fold (CI = 1.18-37.78; p = 0.032).

CONCLUSIONS

Both RVDD and RVSD were common in PPCM patients. Selenium deficiency and combined RVSD and pulmonary hypertension seemed to be the only determinants of RVDD in this small cohort, a finding that needs verification in a larger sample of patients.

Current knowledge and recent development on management of peripartum cardiomyopathy

Heart failure with left ventricular dysfunction occurring during pregnancy or during the post-partum period in patients without history of cardiovascular disease defines peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). PPCM carries a high morbidity and mortality rate as well as the possibility of recovery ad integrum. Its incidence shows ethnic variations, with a greater prevalence of the disease among women with African descent. Pathogenesis of PPCM remains poorly understood. Both "oxidative stress-prolactin axis" and "anti-angiogenic-signaling excess" hypotheses are currently being investigated. Novel diagnostic strategies and biomarkers are currently being evaluated. Besides conventional treatment of heart failure, targeted therapies such as pharmacological prolactin blockade are under evaluation. The aim of this short review is to highlight current management as targeted therapy has far been disappointing.

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: Current Knowledge and Future Directions

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a form of heart failure occurring at the end of pregnancy or early in the postpartum period. Women may recover, have persistent cardiac dysfunction or suffer complications and death. Women who are African-American, older, hypertensive or have multiple gestation pregnancies have increased risk. Diagnosis and treatment may be delayed due to similarities between symptoms of normal pregnancy and heart failure. Echocardiography is essential for the diagnosis, and B-type natriuretic peptide can be helpful. Treatment for systolic heart failure must be adjusted during pregnancy, and anticoagulation may be indicated. Even after recovery, subsequent pregnancy confers substantial risk of worsening heart failure. Further investigations into the etiology, duration of treatment and risks for relapse are needed.

Serum selenium and ceruloplasmin in nigerians with peripartum cardiomyopathy

The study aimed to determine if selenium deficiency, serum ceruloplasmin and traditional birth practices are risk factors for peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), in Kano, Nigeria. This is a case-control study carried out in three hospitals, and PPCM patients were followed up for six months. Critically low serum selenium concentration was defined as <70 µg/L. A total of 39 PPCM patients and 50 controls were consecutively recruited after satisfying the inclusion criteria. Mean serum selenium in patients (61.7 ± 14.9 µg/L) was significantly lower than in controls (118.4 ± 45.6 µg/L) (p < 0.001). The prevalence of serum selenium <70 µg/L was significantly higher among patients (76.9%) than controls (22.0%) (p < 0.001). The mean ceruloplasmin and prevalence of socio-economic indices, multiparity, pregnancy-induced hypertension, obesity and twin pregnancy were not different between the groups (p > 0.05). Logistic regression showed that rural residency significantly increased the odds for serum selenium <70 µg/L by 2.773-fold (p = 0.037). Baseline serum levels of selenium and ceruloplasmin were not associated with six-month mortality. This study has shown that selenium deficiency is a risk factor for PPCM in Kano, Nigeria, and is related to rural residency. However, serum ceruloplasmin, customary birth practices and some other characteristics were not associated with PPCM in the study area.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy: moving towards a more central role of genetics

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PCM) is a relatively rare disease with potentially devasting consequences requiring prompt identification and correct treatment. Overall prognosis is good in majority of the cases, although some patients may progress to irreversible heart failure. Early diagnosis is important and effective treatment reduces mortality rates and increases the chance of complete recovery of ventricular systolic function. The aetiology and pathogenesis seems to be multifactorial and poorly understood, with the available literature rather conflicting. In recent years, there has been increased interest in the role played by genetic predisposition in the development of PCM. It probably develops as a result of a complex interaction of pregnancy-associated factors and genetic factors and recently there have been many observations pointing out the central role played by a genetic predisposition. The direct and indirect observations on genetic susceptibility may offer new insights into the pathogenesis of PCM. However, larger studies are needed before advising routine genetic testing in these patients.

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.

Current issues in the diagnosis and management of peripartum cardiomyopathy

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a form of heart failure that occurs in women within 1 month pre- and 5 months postdelivery. The syndrome carries a high mortality and predisposing factors are not known. The incidence and prevalence of peripartum cardiomyopathy appear to be increasing and this article aims to alert clinicians to consider a possible diagnosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy, outlines the current treatment options, and describes recent advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of this condition.

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.

Serum 25-OH vitamin D concentrations are linked with various clinical aspects in patients with systemic sclerosis: a retrospective cohort study and review of the literature

Low vitamin D serum concentrations have been reported in several autoimmune conditions. The study's aim was to explore such a relationship in a large multinational population of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and to pursue possible clinical and laboratory correlates with vitamin D concentrations. 327 sera samples of European patients with SSc and 141 samples of compatible healthy controls were studied for vitamin D concentrations using the commercial kit LIAISON 25-OH vitamin D assay (Diasorin). Additionally, clinical parameters including the Rodnan skin score, diffusing lung capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP), forced vital capacity (FVC), and nailfold video capillaroscopic, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA and scl70), rheumatoid factor (RF) were investigated. Vitamin D serum concentration was 13.5 ± 9.0 ng/ml (mean ± standard deviation) in patients with SSc compared to 21.6 ± 9.7 ng/ml in a control group (p<0.001). A negative correlation between patients' age and vitamin D concentration (r = -0.2, p<0.05, n = 96) was observed. An inverse relationship was found between skin involvement and vitamin D serum concentrations; Patients with a Rodnan skin score of 10 or lower (n = 11) had a mean vitamin D concentration of 17.7 ± 10.4 ng/ml compared to patients with a score above 10 (n = 28) 8 ± 10.1 ng/ml (p=0.02, by the Mann-Whitney test). In conclusion, Patients with SSc have significantly lower serum vitamin D concentrations compared to healthy controls; moreover fibrosis of the cutaneous tissue is inversely related to the vitamin D concentration.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy: case reports

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a dilated cardiomyopathy defined as systolic cardiac heart failure in the last month of pregnancy or within five months of delivery. PPCM, which affects thousands of women each year in the US, was first described in the 1800s, yet its etiology is still unclear. Its diagnosis is often delayed because its symptoms closely resemble those within the normal spectrum of pregnancy and the postpartum period. When PPCM is misdiagnosed or its diagnosis is delayed, the consequences for patients are deadly: The disorder carries a high mortality rate.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy: a current review

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare but potentially lethal complication of pregnancy occurring in approximately 1 : 3,000 live births in the United States although some series report a much higher incidence. African-American women are particularly at risk. Diagnosis requires symptoms of heart failure in the last month of pregnancy or within five months of delivery in the absence of recognized cardiac disease prior to pregnancy as well as objective evidence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction. This paper provides an updated, comprehensive review of PPCM, including emerging insights into the etiology of this disorder as well as current treatment options.

Nutrition, geoepidemiology, and autoimmunity

As well represented by the impaired immune function of malnourished individuals encountered in developing countries and the incidence of specific diseases following local nutrient deficiencies, nutrition and immunity have been linked to each other for centuries while the specific connection between dietary factors and autoimmunity onset or modulation is a more recent acquisition. Autoimmune diseases manifest limited prevalence rates in developing countries while numerous immunity-related claims have been proposed in the field of functional foods. Nevertheless, over the past years multiple lines of evidence have supported a major role for specific dietary factors (including vitamin D, vitamin A, selenium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and flavanols) in determining the immune responses involved in infections, allergies, and autoimmune diseases. Interestingly, the link between nutrition and autoimmunity may well contribute to the geoepidemiology observed for numerous conditions. In general terms, most data that will be discussed herein were obtained in experimental or animal models while human data from real-life clinical settings or randomized clinical trials remain largely unsatisfactory. Our current knowledge on the beneficial impact of nutrition on autoimmunity prompts us to encourage the search for evidence-based nutrition to support the everyday diet choices of patients.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy: an intriguing challenge. Case report with literature review

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a relatively rare disease, which can have devasting consequences and should be promptly identified and correctly treated. Overall prognosis is good in majority of the cases, although some patients may progress to irreversible heart failure. Early diagnosis is important and effective treatment reduces mortality rates and increases the chance of complete recovery of ventricular systolic function.We report of an interesting case with a favourable outcome and discuss about the clinical presentation, therapy and outcome of this condition.

[Peripartum cardiomyopathy: incidence, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis]

INTRODUCTION

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare and life-threatening disease of unknown aetiology. The primary objective of this review was to analysed aetiopathogeneses, clinical presentation and diagnosis, as well as pharmacological, perioperative and intensive care management and prognosis of this pathology.

METHODS

We undertook a systematic review of the literature using Medline, Google Scholar and PubMed searches.

RESULTS

Unlike other parts of the world in which cardiomyopathy are rare, dilated cardiomyopathy is a major cause of heart failure throughout Africa. Its aetiopathogenesis is still poorly understood, but recent evidence supports inflammation, viral infection and autoimmunity as the leading causative hypotheses. This diagnosis should be limited to previously healthy women who present with congestive heart failure (CHF) and decreased left ventricular systolic function in the last month of pregnancy or within 5 months after delivery. Recently, introduction of echocardiography has made diagnosis of PPCM easier and more accurate. Conventional treatment consists of diuretics, vasodilators, and sometimes digoxin and anticoagulants, usually in combination. Patients who fail to recover may require inotropic therapy. In resistant cases, newer therapeutic modalities such as immunomodulation, immunoglobulin and immunosuppression may be considered. Prognosis is highly related to reversal of ventricular dysfunction. Compared to historically higher mortality rates, recent reports describe better outcome, probably because of advances in medical care. Based on current information, future pregnancy is usually not recommended in patients who fail to recover normal heart function.

CONCLUSION

PPCM is a rare but serious form of cardiac failure affecting women in the last months of pregnancy or early puerperium. Its aetiopathogenesis is still poorly understood. Introduction of echocardiography has made diagnosis of PPCM easier and more accurate. Prognosis is highly related to reversal of ventricular dysfunction.

The risk of cardiomyopathy in inherited epidermolysis bullosa

BACKGROUND

Case reports have suggested that cardiomyopathy may be a complication of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB).

OBJECTIVE

To determine the risk of congestive heart failure (CHF) or cardiomyopathy in each major EB subtype.

METHODS

These data represent systematic case findings and data collection performed throughout the continental United States from 1986 through 2002, by the National Epidermolysis Bullosa Registry. Study design is cross-sectional (n = 3280) with a nested randomly sampled longitudinal subcohort (n = 450). Frequencies of CHF and cardiomyopathy were determined by patient self-reporting, medical histories and review of medical records. In those who died, death certificates were reviewed and histories obtained from surviving family. Cumulative risks were stratified by cause and EB subtype.

RESULTS

Cardiomyopathy was reported as early as within the first year of life. In patients having no other known risk factors for CHF or cardiomyopathy, the highest risk of cardiomyopathy was seen among patients with Hallopeau-Siemens RDEB (RDEB-HS), with a cumulative risk of 4.51% on or after age 20 years. The cumulative risk of cardiomyopathy was only 1.14% and 0.40% in non-Herlitz junctional EB (JEB) and non-Hallopeau-Siemens RDEB, respectively, and was not observed in any other EB subtype. When patients with coexistent chronic renal failure were included, the cumulative risk for RDEB-HS rose to 18.86% by age 35 years. About 30% of our patients affected with RDEB-HS died of CHF or cardiomyopathy, even those with no other known risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

CHF and cardiomyopathy are uncommon complications in both major RDEB subtypes and non-Herlitz JEB, and may be fatal.

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.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy: review of the literature

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare but serious form of cardiac failure affecting women in the last months of pregnancy or early puerperium. Clinical presentation of PPCM is similar to that of systolic heart failure from any cause, and it can sometimes be complicated by a high incidence of thromboembolism. Prior to the availability of echocardiography, diagnosis was based only on clinical findings. Recently, inclusion of echocardiography has made diagnosis of PPCM easier and more accurate. Its etiopathogenesis is still poorly understood, but recent evidence supports inflammation, viral infection and autoimmunity as the leading causative hypotheses. Prompt recognition with institution of intensive treatment by a multidisciplinary team is a prerequisite for improved outcome. Conventional treatment consists of diuretics, beta blockers, vasodilators, and sometimes digoxin and anticoagulants, usually in combination. In resistant cases, newer therapeutic modalities such as immunomodulation, immunoglobulin and immunosuppression may be considered. Cardiac transplantation may be necessary in patients not responding to conventional and newer therapeutic strategies. The role of the anesthesiologist is important in perioperative and intensive care management. Prognosis is highly related to reversal of ventricular dysfunction. Compared to historically higher mortality rates, recent reports describe better outcome, probably because of advances in medical care. Based on current information, future pregnancy is usually not recommended in patients who fail to recover heart function. This article aims to provide a comprehensive updated review of PPCM covering etiopathogeneses, clinical presentation and diagnosis, as well as pharmacological, perioperative and intensive care management and prognosis, while stressing areas that require further research.

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 disorder in which initial left ventricular systolic dysfunction and symptoms of heart failure occur between the late stages of pregnancy and the early postpartum period. It is common in some countries and rare in others. The causes and pathogenesis are poorly understood. Molecular markers of an inflammatory process are found in most patients. Clinical presentation includes usual signs and symptoms of heart failure, and unusual presentations relating to thromboembolism. Clinicians should consider PPCM in any peripartum patient with unexplained disease. Conventional heart failure treatment includes use of diuretics, beta blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Effective treatment reduces mortality rates and increases the number of women who fully recover left ventricular systolic function. Outcomes for subsequent pregnancy after PPCM are better in women who have first fully recovered heart function. Areas for future research include immune system dysfunction, the role of viruses, non-conventional treatments such as immunosuppression, immunoadsorption, apheresis, antiviral treatment, suppression of proinflammatory cytokines, and strategies for control and prevention.

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.

Five-year prospective study of the incidence and prognosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy at a single institution

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence and prognosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) in rural Haiti.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Prospectively identified patients with PPCM treated at the Hospital Albert Schweitzer (HAS), Deschapelles, Haiti, were included in this study. Patients who presented to HAS from February 1, 2000, to January 31, 2005, were identified through a search of the HAS PPCM Registry. Clinical and serial echocardiographic data were collected on these patients.

RESULTS

The 5-year experience confirms the high incidence of PPCM in this area, approximately 1 case per 300 live births, which is severalfold the estimated incidence in the United States (estimated 1 case per 3000 to 4000 live births). In this population, the ratio of PPCM deaths for the 5-year period was 47.1 per 100,000 births compared with the US ratio of 0.62 per 100,000 births. The mortality rate was 15.3% (15 deaths of 98 patients), and the mean follow-up was 2.2 years (range, 1 month to 5 years). Five years after the initiation of the HAS PPCM Registry search, 26 (28%) of 92 patients with PPCM observed for at least 6 months had regained normal left ventricular function. The difference in left ventricular echocardiographic features at diagnosis between deceased patients and survivors was not statistically significant: mean end-diastolic dimension (6.2 vs 5.8 cm; P=.08), ejection fraction (22% vs 25%; P=.12), and fractional shortening (16% vs 15%; P=.46). Left ventricular echocardiographic features at diagnosis were unable to predict individually who would eventually recover, although a statistically significant difference occurred at diagnosis between the recovered group and nonrecovered group for mean ejection fraction (28% vs 23%; P<.001) and fractional shortening (17% vs 14%; P=.004).

CONCLUSION

Peripartum cardiomyopathy occurs significantly more commonly in rural Haiti on a per capita basis than in the United States. Patients with PPCM have a higher mortality rate and a poorer return of normal ventricular function.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy

OBJECTIVE

To provide a review of the cardiac and obstetrical literature regarding the development of peripartum cardiomyopathy and, in particular, to examine risk factors, incidence, diagnosis, prognosis, and evidence-based treatment modalities.

DESIGN

An extensive review of the current literature.

RESULTS

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a cardiomyopathy of unknown cause that occurs in pregnant females, most commonly in the early postpartum period. It shares many clinical characteristics with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy but occurs at a younger age and is associated with a better prognosis. Diagnosis is based upon the clinical presentation of congestive heart failure and objective evidence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Conventional pharmacologic therapy for congestive heart failure, such as diuretics, digoxin, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers, and beta-adrenergic blockers, are routinely used and are quite effective. For those patients who remain refractory to conventional pharmacologic therapy, cardiac transplantation and mechanical circulatory support are viable options.

CONCLUSION

Mortality rates in peripartum cardiomyopathy have decreased, and this is most likely related to advances over the past 5 yrs in medical therapy for heart failure. Aggressive use of implantable defibrillators has significantly reduced the risk of sudden death in these patients. For >50% of peripartum cardiomyopathy patients, left ventricular function normalizes with pharmacologic therapy. However, subsequent pregnancies almost always are associated with recurrence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: Current Therapeutic Perspectives

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare condition of unclear etiology that accounts for an important percentage of pregnancy-related deaths. Deaths from peripartum cardiomyopathy can be attributed to profound left ventricular failure, thromboembolic events, or arrhythmia. Prompt recognition of the condition, initiation of appropriate medical management, collaboration with perinatology for delivery management, referral to cardiac transplant centers when necessary, and counseling regarding future pregnancies is required for a successful outcome. Patients should be diagnosed by clinical evaluation and echocardiography. After establishing left ventricular dysfunction, a standard heart failure medical regimen should be instituted. Hospitalization should be considered for patients with class III or greater symptoms, or for those patients not responding to outpatient management. If the diagnosis is made in the antepartum period, delivery should be strongly considered. Endomyocardial biopsy has low yield in this situation and should not be considered standard care, especially because controversy exists over the effectiveness of immunosuppressive therapy for myocarditis. Selenium, pentoxifylline, and immune globulin have all been shown to have a beneficial effect in small series of patients. The addition of these agents to standard therapy, however, should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Anticoagulation should be considered in patients with ejection fractions less than 35%. Transplantation results in survival comparable to women with idiopathic-dilated cardiomyopathy, and should be pursued in the appropriate setting. Future pregnancies should be discouraged, even if the left ventricular function recovers. Significant improvement in ventricular function can be expected in up to 50% of patients.

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.