Therapeutic challenges and management of heart failure during pregnancy (part I)

Med Sci Monit. 2012 May;18(5):CQ5-7. doi: 10.12659/msm.882716.

Abstract

Therapeutic management in pregnant patients with heart failure still remains a challenge, even though in most pregnant women with cardiac diseases an outcome is good. A 32-year-old woman, 17 weeks pregnant, was admitted to hospital with heart failure (HF) NYHA class III/IV. Echocardiography revealed enlarged LV, LVEF 13%, significant mitral insufficiency and pulmonary hypertension. The patient wished to continue the pregnancy. In a life-threatening condition, metoprolol, enalapril, spironolactone (for 5 days), furosemide, and digitalis were administered. Enalapril was continued for 42 days. Then the patient was switched to a dihydralazine and isosorbide mononitrate regimen. The fetus was controlled ultrasonographically. In the 19th week of pregnancy, the patient's condition improved (NYHA class II, LVEF 23%). The patient experienced 2 more episodes of HF exacerbation. In the 26th week of pregnancy, in a primary prevention of sudden cardiac death and because of 2nd-degree AV block, an ICD was implanted. In the 32nd week of pregnancy a cesarean section was performed. A male infant was delivered. The patient made a good recovery and was discharged on the 7th postoperative day. The newborn was discharged after 4 weeks, in good general condition. At 1-year follow-up the patient presented NYHA class II.<br />

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Digitalis
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Enalapril / administration & dosage
  • Enalapril / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Furosemide / administration & dosage
  • Furosemide / therapeutic use
  • Heart Failure / complications
  • Heart Failure / drug therapy*
  • Heart Failure / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Metoprolol / administration & dosage
  • Metoprolol / therapeutic use
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / physiopathology
  • Pregnancy Complications / therapy*
  • Spironolactone / administration & dosage
  • Spironolactone / therapeutic use
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color

Substances

  • Spironolactone
  • Enalapril
  • Furosemide
  • Metoprolol