Peripartum cardiomyopathy – Rare, unknown and life-threatening

Conclusions Peripartum cardiomyopathy affects a young and healthy population during a period of time ranging between the end of pregnancy and five months postpartum. The aetiology and pathogenesis are unknown, but several hypotheses have been proposed: viral myocarditis, autoimmune and/or abnormal haemodynamic response to the pregnancy, genetic susceptibility, malnutrition, and apoptosis. The prognosis of recovery of left ventricular function (LVEF) depends on early detection within seven days of the onset of symptoms, an initial LVEF greater than 30%, and a left ventricular diastolic diameter (LVDD) smaller than 60mm. Mortality is associated with parity greater than four, older age and black ethnic background (6.4 times higher than in Caucasians).
Source: Colombian Journal of Anesthesiology - Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research