Bromocriptine for the Treatment of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

P eripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a pregnancy- associated idiopathic cardiomyopathy presenting during pregnancy or within few months after delivery 1,2 with signs and symptoms of heart failure caused by marked depression of left ventricular (LV) systolic function.Although the disease is uncommon, it is increasing in frequency 3 and represents an important cause of pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality. 1,2,4The incidence of PPCM has recently been estimated to be 1 in 2000 to 4000 deliveries, 1,3,5 thus affecting Ϸ1000 to 2000 women per year in the United States alone.Data from South Africa and Haiti suggest a significantly higher incidence of PPCM in these countries, affecting 1 in 1000 (Africa) and 1 in 300 (Haiti) pregnant women.