Peripartum cardiomyopathy in 2021: what is available for its management?

Abstract

Introduction: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a condition that affects women towards the end of pregnancy or during the first months after delivery characterized by heart failure secondary to left ventricle systolic dysfunction of idiopathic origin, thus, it is considered as an exclusion diagnosis. PPCM management is a challenge that requires a multidisciplinary approach that must include at least the cardiologist and the obstetrician because of the precautions that must be considered to preserve fetal and maternal health. Objective: To perform a review on the evidence available to date regarding the treatment of PPCM. Method: A systematic review was performed on the PubMed database using the following terms: peripartum cardiomyopathy, pregnancy and heart failure y pregnancy and cardiomyopathy. Articles were selected with no language or publication date restrictions. Conclusions: An increase in awareness of PPCM has occurred during the last few years, however, there is still much to discover about its pathogenic mechanisms. Bromocriptine therapy seems to offer goods results in these patients, further research is needed in order to know its true role in this condition. Other proposed therapies are yet to be studied to know their possible benefits and safety profile.