Key result
Regular beta-blocker use linked to ~80% lower mortality in peripartum cardiomyopathy.
Why the study?
Nigeria has the highest incidence of peripartum cardiomyopathy in the world, but data on outcomes related to the condition are limited.
Cohort (n=244)
Yes
Hazard Ratio: 0.2 (95% CI 0.09–0.41)
Multicenter cohort study reveals high mortality and low ventricular recovery in peripartum cardiomyopathy, highlighting the protective benefit of regular beta-blocker therapy.
BACKGROUND Nigeria has the highest incidence of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) in the world. However, data on PPCM-related outcomes are limited. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical profile, myocardial remodeling, and survival of patients with PPCM in Nigeria. METHODS This study consecutively recruited 244 PPCM patients (median 7 months postpartum) at 14 sites in Nigeria and applied structured follow-up for a median of 17 months (interquartile range: 14 to 20 months). Left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR) was defined as the composite of left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic dimension <33 mm/m2 and absolute increase in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥10%. LV full recovery was defined as LVEF ≥55%. RESULTS Overall, 45 (18.7%) patients died during follow-up. Maternal age <20 years (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.40; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.27 to 4.54), hypotension (HR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.02 to 3.43), tachycardia (HR: 2.38; 95% CI: 1.05 to 5.43), and LVEF <25% at baseline (HR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.12 to 3.95) independently predicted mortality. Obesity (HR: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.55) and regular use of beta-blockers at 6-month follow-up (HR: 0.20; 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.41) were independently associated with reduced risk for mortality. In total, 48 patients (24.1%) achieved LVRR and 45 (22.6%) achieved LV full recovery. LVEF <25% at baseline (HR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.92) and regular use of beta-blockers at 6-month follow-up (HR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.17 to 2.25) independently determined the risk for LV full recovery. Progressive reverse remodeling of all cardiac chambers was observed. In total, 18 patients (7.4%) were hospitalized during the study. CONCLUSIONS This is the largest study of PPCM in Africa. Consistent with late presentations, the mortality rate was high, whereas frequencies of LVRR and LV full recovery were low. Several variables predicted poor outcomes, and regular use of beta-blockers correlated with late survival and LV functional recovery.
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Karaye et al. (2020) conducted a cohort in Peripartum cardiomyopathy (n=244). Regular use of beta-blockers vs. No regular use of beta-blockers was evaluated on Mortality (HR 0.20, 95% CI 0.09-0.41). Among 244 Nigerian patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy, overall mortality was 18.7%, and regular beta-blocker use was associated with reduced mortality (HR 0.20; 95% CI 0.09-0.41).
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