The Use of Bromocriptine for Peripartum Cardiomyopathy after Twin Delivery via Oocyte Donation

Intern Med. 2019 Feb 15;58(4):541-544. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.1537-18. Epub 2018 Dec 18.

Abstract

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is rare but life-threatening. We herein report the case of a 48-year-old woman with PPCM after oocyte donation and delivery of twins. Two weeks after delivery, she suffered from severe symptoms of heart failure [orthopnea, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV, pulmonary edema and a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction of 18%]. Although standard heart failure therapy was effective for diminishing the congestion, it was not sufficient to improve her symptoms or left ventricular systolic dysfunction. During admission, we added bromocriptine. A year later after the onset, she was in a good state with an improved left ventricular systolic function.

Keywords: assisted reproductive technique; bromocriptine; peripartum cardiomyopathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bromocriptine / administration & dosage*
  • Bromocriptine / therapeutic use*
  • Cardiomyopathies / diagnosis
  • Cardiomyopathies / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Oocyte Donation / methods*
  • Peripartum Period
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / diagnosis
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / drug therapy*
  • Ventricular Function, Left / drug effects*

Substances

  • Bromocriptine