Peripartum dilated cardiomyopathy

AIM: To analyze the clinical characteristics and to evaluate the different factors that influences the prognosis of the peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). METHODS: A retrospective review was undertaken on records of women who were diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy at Farhat Hached Hospital (Sousse) between January 1992 and December 2004. RESULTS: Clinically, PPCM shows pulmonary symptoms such as dyspnea and tachypnea. The diagnosis is established by echocardiography that showed decreased systolic function of the left ventricular. Both gynecologist and cardiologist must check the patients regularly. No patient died. Three preterm pregnancies occured with 9 health newborns (2 sets of twins). One miscarriage took place. PPCM is often undetected or misdiagnosed because of the low incidence and the unspecific symptoms. The treatment is also unspecific and similar to dilated cardiomyopathy or acute cardiac failure. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis of the peripartum cardiomyopathy is extremely important. Pregnancy in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy is associated with maternal and fetal morbidity. Left ventricular function is a prognostic factor and must be the most parameter when conseling patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy about a new pregnancy.