title: Predictors of prognosis in patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the long-term follow-up results of patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy and assess the echocardiographic findings relating to prognosis at time of diagnosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-three patients diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy and hospitalized between 1995 and 2007 were analyzed. Initial echocardiographic data were recorded and long-term clinical status was evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eight (24%) patients recovered completely, 10 (30%) died, 2 (6%) underwent heart transplants, and 13 (39%) were left with persistent left ventricular dysfunction. Cut-off values for initial left ventricular end-systolic diameter (< or =5.5 cm) and left ventricular ejection fraction (>27%) were obtained from patients who had completely recovered.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cut-off values for initial left ventricular ejection fraction of >27% and left ventricular end-systolic diameter of < or =5.5 cm may predict recovery of left ventricle function.
authors.affiliation: Cardiology Department, Kartal Kosuyolu Heart and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. eksduran@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Nilüfer
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Duran
authors.forename: Haci
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Günes
authors.forename: Ibrahim
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Duran
authors.forename: Murat
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Biteker
authors.forename: Mehmet
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ozkan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology; D011379:Prognosis; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology; D012372:ROC Curve; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D013318:Stroke Volume / Q000502:physiology; D015996:Survival Rate; D014421:Turkey; D014463:Ultrasonography