Peripartum cardiomyopathy:report of 9 cases with clinical analysis

Objective To analysis the incidence, risk factors, effect of treatment, and prognosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy. Methods Of the 768 cardiomyopathy patients from July 2010 to July 2013 in Changhai hospital 9 patients were with peripartum cardiomyopathy. The incidence, risk factors, effect of treatment, and prognosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy were analyzed retrospectively. Results Peripartum cardiomyopathy accounted for 1.2%(9/768) of the overall cardiomyopathy patients, and for 31.0%(9/29) of women under 40 years old with peripartum cardiomyopathy. Eight cases were presented with left ventricular systolic dysfunction from echocardiogram. Eight cases were found to have increased cardiothoracic ratio by X-ray. All patients received standard heart failure and myocardial nutritional treatment, and all were discharged after alleviation of symptoms and signs. Echocardiogram was repeated after 12 month and all the 8 cases followed had left ventricular systolic function recovered to normal. Conclusions The incidence of peripartum cardiomyopathy was higher in women under the age of 40 years. Left ventricular dysfunction was the main characteristic feature. Echocardiography and X-ray can evaluate the cardiac function of the patient and assist the diagnosis of cardiomyopathy. Standard heart failure and myocardial nutritional therapy can treat this disease effectively and improve the prognosis of patient.