• T K Mishra, S Swain, and S N Routray.
• Department of Cardiology, SCB Medical College, Cuttack, Orissa, India.
• Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2006 Nov 1;95(2):104-9.

ObjectiveTo determine the clinical and echocardiographic profiles of women with peripartum cardiomyopathy and ascertain the natural course of the disease.MethodsFifty-six women with peripartum cardiomyopathy were followed up for a mean period of 6.1 years and their clinical and echocardiographic profiles were studied as well as their outcomes.ResultsThe mean+/-SD age at presentation was 31+/-5 years and mean parity was 2.6+/-1. Of the 56 patients, 18 (32.1%) had NYHA Class II, 24 (42.9%) had NYHA Class III, and 14 (25%) had NYHA Class IV symptoms, and 21 (37.5%) and 35 (62.5%), respectively, presented with features of heart failure during pregnancy and the postpartum. During follow-up, the left ventricular ejection fraction improved from 31%+/-7.2% to 43%+/-8% (PConclusionWomen with peripartum cardiomyopathy present with severe left ventricular dysfunction late in the pregnancy or early in the puerperium. A considerable number of women still die from this condition despite the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta-blockers. A subsequent pregnancy carries a very high risk of mortality.

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