Fractional shortening <20% and LVEDD ≥6 cm at diagnosis were associated with a >3-fold higher risk of persistent left ventricular dysfunction in peripartum cardiomyopathy.
Cohort (n=32)
Do echocardiographic findings at the time of diagnosis predict persistent cardiac dysfunction in patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy?
Severe left ventricular dilation (LVEDD ≥ 6 cm) and reduced systolic function (fractional shortening < 20%) at diagnosis strongly predict persistent cardiac dysfunction in peripartum cardiomyopathy.
Effect estimate: Risk >3-fold
OBJECTIVE: To estimate whether echocardiography findings at the time of diagnosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy are predictive of persistent cardiac dysfunction. METHODS: Chart review of patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy between 1988 and 2001 was performed. Data from echocardiography, including fractional shortening and left ventricular end diastolic dimension, were recorded both at the time of diagnosis and at follow-up. Left ventricular dysfunction was defined by echocardiography as fractional shortening less than 30% and left ventricular end diastolic dimension of 4.8 cm or more. RESULTS: Of 32 patients meeting our definition for peripartum cardiomyopathy and for whom follow-up data were available, 13 (41%) had recovery of ventricular function, while 19 (59%) continued to have persistent left ventricular dysfunction. Those who did not recover cardiac function had a higher left ventricular end diastolic dimension and a lower fractional shortening at diagnosis than those who recovered. A fractional shortening value less than 20% and a left ventricular end diastolic dimension 6 cm or greater at the time of diagnosis was associated with a more than 3-fold higher risk for persistent left ventricular dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Along with being an important diagnostic tool in peripartum cardiomyopathy, echocardiography may provide significant prognostic information with regards to recovery of cardiac function.
Chapa et al. (Wed,) conducted a cohort in Peripartum cardiomyopathy (n=32). Echocardiography findings (fractional shortening <20% and LVEDD ≥6 cm) was evaluated on Persistent left ventricular dysfunction (Risk >3-fold). Fractional shortening <20% and LVEDD ≥6 cm at diagnosis were associated with a >3-fold higher risk of persistent left ventricular dysfunction in peripartum cardiomyopathy.