CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT METHODS OF PERIPARTUM CARDIOMYOPATHIES
Keywords:
Peripartum cardiomyopathy; heart failure; pregnancy; postpartum; left ventricular dysfunction; echocardiography; diagnosis; treatment; maternal cardiology; cardiac complications in pregnancy.Abstract
Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is an uncommon but serious condition characterized by heart failure due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction occurring in the last month of pregnancy or within five months postpartum, in the absence of an identifiable cause. This article reviews the current understanding of the clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, and therapeutic strategies for PPCM. It emphasizes the importance of early recognition through echocardiography and laboratory tests, as well as the implementation of guideline-directed medical therapy tailored to pregnancy and postpartum considerations. The prognosis of PPCM varies, with some patients recovering fully and others developing persistent cardiac dysfunction. Multidisciplinary care and long-term follow-up are essential for optimizing maternal outcomes and guiding future reproductive decisions.
References
1. Hilfiker-Kleiner D, et al. (2007). A cathepsin D–cleaved 16 kDa form of prolactin mediates postpartum cardiomyopathy. Cell.
2. Sliwa K, et al. (2006). Peripartum cardiomyopathy: epidemiology, pathophysiology, prognosis, and treatment options. Heart.
3. Elkayam U. (2011). Clinical characteristics of peripartum cardiomyopathy in the United States: diagnosis, prognosis, and management. J Am Coll Cardiol.
4. Sliwa K, et al. (2010). Bromocriptine for the treatment of peripartum cardiomyopathy: a multicenter randomized study. Eur Heart J.
5. Arany Z, Elkayam U. (2016). Peripartum cardiomyopathy. Circulation.
