Key result
Peripartum cardiomyopathy links to ~14% 6-month thromboembolism risk, driven by low LVEF and cesarean delivery.
Why the study?
Women with PPCM face an increased risk of arterial and venous thromboembolic events, prompting a summary of evidence on complication incidence, diagnostic approaches, outcomes, and therapies.
What is the incidence, risk factors, diagnosis, and therapy of thromboembolism in women with peripartum cardiomyopathy?
Systematic Review (n=30)
What is the incidence, risk factors, diagnosis, and therapy of thromboembolism in women with peripartum cardiomyopathy?
Thromboembolism is a significant complication in peripartum cardiomyopathy, occurring in up to 14% of patients within 6 months, highlighting the need for careful risk stratification and management.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
May prompt enhanced thromboembolism surveillance in peripartum cardiomyopathy; leaves open definitive trials on anticoagulation.
Background: Women with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) are at an increased risk of arterial and venous thromboembolic events. The review summarizes the evidence on the incidence of thromboembolic complications in women with PPCM, diagnostic approaches, related outcomes, and effects of therapies that have been used. Methods: English articles were retrieved from Web of Science and PubMed using search terms to capture studies related to PPCM (or postpartum cardiomyopathy) and all combinations of thrombosis- and embolism-related keywords. A total of 347 articles from PubMed and 85 from Web of Science were obtained, and after removing duplicates, 327 articles were screened for original data and classified into four domains: epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and therapy of thromboembolism in PPCM. Ultimately, 30 articles were included. Data were synthesized in summary tables for each domain. Results: Studies in the United States and Europe reported varying incidence for thromboembolism in PPCM, up to 14% in 6 months. Risk factors include elevated levels of coagulation factors, decreased protein C and S activity, decreased fibrinolysis, and a low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Cesarean delivery and post-operative status were correlated with a higher incidence of thromboembolic complications. Diagnosis relied mostly on ultrasonography and magnetic resonance and depended on the suspected location of thrombus. Anticoagulation has been used mostly for PPCM patients with a reduced LVEF, with the duration varying across guidelines and healthcare systems. Unfractionated heparin and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) were considered safe choices during pregnancy, while warfarin and novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) were used postpartum. The association of bromocriptine with risk of thromboembolic complications remains debated. Conclusions: There are important gaps in our understanding of the epidemiology, risk stratification, and optimal secondary prevention of thromboembolism in PPCM. Larger prospective studies with detailed phenotyping are required.
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Radakrishnan et al. (2024) conducted a systematic review in Peripartum cardiomyopathy (n=30). Peripartum cardiomyopathy is associated with a thromboembolism incidence of up to 14% at 6 months, with risk factors including low left ventricular ejection fraction and cesarean delivery.
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