Recovery of left ventricular function in peripartum cardiomyopathy

Peripartum cardiomyopathy: analysis of clinical outcome, left ventricular function, plasma levels of cytokines and Fas/APO-1

OBJECTIVES

1) To evaluate the outcome of patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPC) on current treatment for heart failure, 2) to assess the circulating plasma levels of cytokines and Fas receptors and 3) to identify predictors of prognosis.

BACKGROUND

Previous studies in patients with PPC were done when angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and beta-adrenergic blocking agents were not routinely used in heart failure. Inflammatory cytokines play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of heart failure of other etiologies. However, there is a paucity of data regarding cytokine expression in patients with PPC. Plasma concentrations of Fas receptors (an apoptosis-signalling receptor) have not been reported in this population.

METHODS

We followed prospectively 29 consecutive black women with PPC. All patients were treated with diuretics, digoxin, enalapril and carvedilol. Echocardiograms were performed at baseline and after six months of treatment. Cytokine and soluble Fas/APO-1 plasma levels were measured at baseline.

RESULTS

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 and Fas/APO-1 levels were significantly elevated in the study patients compared with 20 healthy volunteers. Eight patients died. sFas/APO-1 levels were significantly higher in patients who died compared with survivors (8.98 +/- 4.5 vs. 5.33 +/- 3 U/ml, respectively, p = 0.02). At six months, ejection fraction improved from 26.7 +/- 10 to 42.7 +/- 16%, p = 0.00003, with an increment of more than 10 U in 10 patients (28.1 +/- 4 to 51.9 +/- 8%, p = 0.000008).

CONCLUSIONS

Cytokine and sFas levels are elevated in patients with PPC. Despite treatment with ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers, mortality remains high. However, in 34% of the patients, left ventricular function almost completely normalized.

ED echocardiography for peripartum cardiomyopathy

Although peripartum cardiomyopathy is uncommon, emergency physicians should be knowledgeable of it because of its high morbidity and mortality. Emergency physicians should be alert to the fact that the clinical presentation of peripartum cardiomyopathy is nonspecific. Its clinical manifestations are found in other medical conditions that can present in the late prepartum or postpartum patient. We present a case of peripartum cardiomyopathy that illustrates how its nonspecific respiratory signs and symptoms led to an initial diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. The case also highlights the need for echocardiography in the evaluation of peripartum cardiomyopathy. We discuss the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of peripartum cardiomyopathy.

Heart disease during pregnancy. Which cardiovascular changes reflect disease?

Primary care physicians have an important role in timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment of gravid patients with cardiac disorders. Health of the mother and child can be optimized with thorough understanding of the pathophysiology of cardiac disorders during pregnancy, especially those with potentially serious effects, such as peripartum cardiomyopathy and acute myocardial infarction. Mitral stenosis often manifests for the first time during pregnancy. Mitral valve prolapse is usually benign but in some cases necessitates antibiotic prophylaxis for delivery. Pregnancy in women with prosthetic cardiac valves may expose mother and child to risks that can be minimized with appropriate safeguards.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy

Congestive heart failure is an uncommon complication of pregnancy with potentially life-threatening consequences. Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a disease of unknown cause in which severe left ventricular dysfunction occurs during late pregnancy or the early puerperium. In the past, the diagnosis of this entity was made on clinical grounds; however, modern echocardiographic techniques have allowed more accurate diagnoses by excluding cases of diseases that mimic the clinical symptoms and signs of heart failure. Risk factors for peripartum cardiomyopathy include advanced maternal age, multiparity, African descent, twinning, and long-term tocolysis. An extensive search for the causes of peripartum cardiomyopathy has been unrevealing. Treatment includes digitalis, diuretic agents, and vasodilators. Anticoagulation is strongly recommended, especially if ventricular function is persistent. The prognosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy is related to the recovery of ventricular function. Caution is advised in recommending subsequent pregnancy, especially if left ventricular dysfunction is persistent.

Successful use of continuous veno-venous haemofiltration to treat profound fluid retention in severe peripartum cardiomyopathy

The use of continuous veno-venous haemofiltration after failure of conventional treatment in a patient with severe peripartum cardiomyopathy is described. Treatment with inotropes and diuretics failed to produce a diuresis despite the presence of severe fluid overload. Haemofiltration over a 9-day period allowed removal of 171 of fluid with a concomitant improvement in haemodynamic function and a spontaneous diuresis.