title: Peripartum cardiomyopathy: Euro Observational Research Program.
abstract: Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare but potentially life-threatening form of heart failure affecting women late in pregnancy or in the first months after delivery. Peripartum cardiomyopathy is difficult to diagnose and its onset and progression are variable between individuals. The pathophysiology remains poorly understood, hence treatment options are limited and possibly harmful to the foetus. Furthermore, geographical incidence varies greatly and little is known about the incidence in Western countries. To gain further understanding of the pathophysiology and incidence of peripartum cardiomyopathy, the European Society of Cardiology initiated a study group to implement a registry. This review provides an overview of current insights into peripartum cardiomyopathy, highlights the need for such a registry and provides information about this Euro Observational Research Program.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, PO Box 30001, 9700, RB, Groningen, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Hoes
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: van Hagen
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Russo
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Van Veldhuisen
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Van den Berg
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Roos-Hesselink
authors.forename: K Y
authors.initials: KY
authors.lastname: van Spaendonck-Zwarts
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: van der Meer