Clinical characteristics, predictors and pregnancy outcomes in Indian women with peripartum cardiomyopathy

Background Predictors, pregnancy and subsequent pregnancy outcomes in women with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) are poorly understood in our geographical region. Methods We retrospectively analysed 58 women with PPCM diagnosed using criteria by the European Society of Cardiology during 2015 to 2019. The main outcome measures were predictors of left ventricular (LV) recovery. LV recovery was defined as return of LV ejection fraction to over 50%. Results Nearly 80% of women had LV recovery during 6 months follow up. Univariate logistic regression revealed LV end diastolic diameter (adjusted odds ratio (OR); 0.87; 95% CI, 0.78–0.98; p = 0.02), LV end systolic diameter (OR; 0.89; 95% CI, 0.8–0.98; p = 0.02) and inotrope use (OR; 0.2, 95% CI, 0.05–0.7; p = 0.01) as predictors of LV recovery. Relapse was not seen in any of the nine women who had a subsequent pregnancy. Conclusion LV recovery was higher than those reported in contemporary PPCM cohorts from other parts of the world.