Does LVEF recovery (≥0.55) prior to a subsequent pregnancy reduce the risk of heart failure relapse in women with a history of peripartum cardiomyopathy?
Recovery of LVEF to ≥0.55 before a subsequent pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of heart failure relapse in women with prior peripartum cardiomyopathy.
OBJECTIVE: To quantify the level of risk for heart failure relapse in a subsequent pregnancy in women who have had peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), and to test the hypothesis that meeting additional criteria may help lower the risk. METHODS: Prospectively-identified PPCM patients volunteering between 2003 and 2009 were identified from the PPCM Registry of Hôpital Albert Schweitzer, Deschapelles, Haiti, and an internet support group. Data were assessed for full adherence to monitoring and diagnostic criteria, clinical data, statistical analysis, and reporting. RESULTS: Of 61 post-PPCM pregnancies identified, there were 18 relapses (29.5%) of heart failure. Of 26 pregnancies with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of less than 0.55 prior to the pregnancy, relapse occurred in 12 (46.2%) pregnancies. Of 35 pregnancies with an LVEF of 0.55 or greater prior to the pregnancy, relapse occurred in 6 (17.1%) (P<0.01). No relapses occurred in 9 women who also demonstrated adequate contractile reserve. CONCLUSION: The most important criterion associated with reduced risk for heart failure relapse in a post-PPCM pregnancy is recovery defined by an LVEF 0.55 or greater before the subsequent pregnancy. Exercise stress echocardiography showing adequate contractile reserve may help to identify women at an even lower risk of relapse.
Fett et al. (Mon,) studied this question.