title: An update on treatments and outcomes in peripartum cardiomyopathy.
abstract: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a well-established complication of pregnancy. Criteria include heart failure that presents with reduced left ventricular function, signs and symptoms of heart failure either late in pregnancy or early in the postpartum period. The incidence varies widely depending geography and ethnicity. The pathophysiology of PPCM is still an area of active investigation, but includes immune and inflammatory mechanisms, which are the subject of several investigations. Therapies for chronic heart failure from PPCM are similar to those patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy from different etiologies, however novel therapies may include bromocriptine, pentoxifylline or other potential therapies influencing the immune system. The need for implantable defibrillators, left ventricular assist devices and cardiac transplant in women with PPCM is rare, and prognosis is better than other forms of nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Despite this, further information about the epidemiology, prognosis and potential therapies are required to better manage and diagnose PPCM in women with signs and symptoms of heart failure.
authors: Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal H3T1E2, Canada.
authors: Richard
authors: R
authors: Sheppard
authors: Navin
authors: N
authors: Rajagopalan
authors: Jordan
authors: J
authors: Safirstein
authors: Joan
authors: J
authors: Briller
mesh_terms: D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D019468:Disease Management; D005260:Female; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D009017:Morbidity; D058725:Peripartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy
keywords: cardiomyopathy; ejection fraction; heart failure; left ventricle; peripartum; pregnancy