Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a serious and rare disease of late pregnancy or the early postpartum period. It is defined as idiopathic, nonfamilial, nongenetic, heart failure occurring in the absence of any other identifiable causes of heart disease within the last month of pregnancy or within the first 5 months postdelivery in otherwise previously healthy woman. The incidence in the United States is 1 per 3,000 to 4,000 live births. Left ventricular systolic dysfunction develops, almost always leading to a left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 45%. PPCM is unique in its rapid medical course and propensity to spontaneously resolve within 3 to 6 months of disease onset. The mortality rate is high, up to 10%, and the risk of relapse in subsequent pregnancies is also elevated. Treatment for PPCM varies slightly based on whether the woman is pregnant or postpartum. Conventional pharmacologic treatment includes diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (postpartum only), vasodilators such as hydralazine, digoxin, β-blockers, and anticoagulants. This review contains 5 figures, 5 tables, and 36 references. Key Words: critical care obstetrics, ejection fraction, heart failure, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, management, maternal mortality, peripartum cardiomyopathy, preeclampsia, pregnancy