Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: Literature Review

S D Med. 2016 May;69(5):217-219.

Abstract

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare cause of heart failure that affects women during the last month of pregnancy to the first five months after delivery. The disease occurs in about one in 1,000 births in the U.S. Risk factors include advanced age, multiparity, twin pregnancy, African origin, preeclampsia or preexisting hypertension, and severe anemia. Heart failure in PPCM is treated similarly to heart failure from other causes, bearing in mind the pregnancy and lactation status. In this review article, we discuss the background, etiology, clinical evaluation, treatment, and natural history of peripartum cardiomyopathy, with a major emphasis on treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Bromocriptine / therapeutic use
  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated* / complications
  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated* / diagnosis
  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated* / etiology
  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated* / therapy
  • Delivery, Obstetric
  • Diuretics / therapeutic use
  • Dopamine Agonists / therapeutic use
  • Electric Countershock
  • Female
  • Heart Failure / etiology
  • Heart Failure / therapy
  • Humans
  • Peripartum Period
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular* / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular* / etiology
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular* / therapy
  • Puerperal Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Puerperal Disorders* / etiology
  • Puerperal Disorders* / therapy
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Anticoagulants
  • Diuretics
  • Dopamine Agonists
  • Bromocriptine