title: Update on peripartum cardiomyopathy.
abstract: Although multiple mechanisms have been postulated, peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) continues to be a cardiomyopathy of unknown cause. Multiple risk factors exist and the clinical presentation does not allow differentiation among potential causes. Although specific diagnostic criteria exist, PPCM remains a diagnosis of exclusion. Treatment modalities are dictated by the clinical state of the patient, and prognosis is dependent on recovery of function. Randomized controlled trials of novel therapies, such as bromocriptine, are needed to establish better treatment regimens to decrease morbidity and mortality. The creation of an international registry will be an important step to better define and treat PPCM. This article discusses the pathogenesis, risk factors, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of this condition.
authors.affiliation: Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 South Wood Street, M/C 808, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. mcruz9@uic.edu
authors.forename: Meredith O
authors.initials: MO
authors.lastname: Cruz
authors.forename: Joan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Briller
authors.forename: Judith U
authors.initials: JU
authors.lastname: Hibbard
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D009205:Myocarditis / Q000821:virology; D032383:Myocytes, Cardiac; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D011295:Prenatal Care; D011379:Prognosis; D011388:Prolactin / Q000096:biosynthesis; D012307:Risk Factors; D014777:Virus Diseases
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D011388:Prolactin