Poster Presentations From the World Congress of Cardiology Scientific Sessions 2012

Abstract

Introduction: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare disease entity of unknown etiology. High rates of mortality or poor overall clinical outcome are reported in women with this condition. Certain demographic characteristics are risk factors for this disease. In the Philippines, no data exist regarding the prevalence nor risk factors for PPCM. Objectives: (1) To determine the prevalence of PPCM among live deliveries in Philippine General Hospital (PGH) from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2010; (2) To determine clinical profile of these patients, (3) to describe their echocardiographic findings and (4) to describe maternal and fetal outcomes Methods: All patients diagnosed with PPCM in the period of January 1, 2009-December 31, 2010 were studied. Demographic data and echocardiogram of the patients were reviewed. Results: Nine patients were diagnosed with PPCM during the study period. The prevalence is 1 in 1270 live births. Mean age was 29 years old. Moderate to severe heart failure (NYHA Class III &IV) symptoms in the prepartum period were seen in 78%. The purported risk factors for PPCM, obesity, multiparity and preeclampsia were seen in most patients (78% each). Conversely, only one patient admitted to having more than a single sexual partner. Only one patient had multifetal (twin) pregnancy. None of the patients were smokers. No patient underwent tocolysis. Echocardiographic findings showed the following : multisegmental wall motion abnormalities in all cases, mean ejection fraction of 34% & mean fractional shortening of 20%. No mortality was seen. Fetal outcomes were generally good with all resulting in live births and most (71%) were appropriate for gestational age. Conclusion: PPCM is a rare entity in the Philippines. Compared with international data, our patients are younger with low percentages of promiscuity, multifetal pregnancy, smoking history and tocolytic use. Similar to previous studies, obesity, multiparity and preeclampsia were also present in our PPCM patients. Maternal and fetal outcomes were generally good.