title: [Peripartum cardiomyopathy].
abstract: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (CMP) represents an intriguing and incompletely characterised cause of heart failure arising in women without previously known heart disease during last trimester of pregnancy or first 20 weeks after birth. Fundamental clinical and basic research is lacking regarding this rare but potentially devastating disorder. The article reviews present accepted definition of CMP, epidemiological data, possible etiologic factors and pathogenic mechanisms proposed in CMP. It describes identified risk factors for CMP, clinical symptoms and signs, diagnostic assessment and treatment. Prognosis, follow up criteria and education for patients with previous CMP concerning subsequent pregnancies are also described.
authors.affiliation: Facultatea de Medicină, Disciplina de Nursing, Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie Gr.T. Popa Iaşi.
authors.forename: Ileana
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Antohe
mesh_terms: D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D036801:Parturition; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors