European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

STUDY OF PERIPARTUM CARDIOMYOPATHY BY 2D ECHO IN 100 HIGH RISK PREGNANCIES

Dr. P. Sreedevi and Dr. Suneela Kolluri*

ABSTRACT

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is an ominous life threatening disorder of unknown aetiology that occurs in the last month of pregnancy or in first few months postpartum with no identifiable cause for cardiac failure or heart disease. The diagnosis is often difficult, and needs high degree of clinical suspicion. Maternal mortality is as high as 50%. This study was a prospective observational study done at Government Maternity Hospital, Sultan bazaar, Hyderabad between June 2014 to May 2016 on 100 high risk and suspected cases of peripartum cardiomyopathy. After informed written consent, all the patients underwent 2D Echocardiography. Out of 100 suspected cases, 2D Echo diagnosed 18cases as Peripartum Cardiomyopathy, 8 cases as other heart diseases and 2D Echo was normal in 74 cases. EF was 35-45% in 39% of cases, 45-55% in 22% of cases, it was >55% in 39% of the 18 PPCM cases. Out of 18 cases of PPCM, 4 cases died. 75% of maternal mortality was seen in patients with EF<45% and 25% was seen in patients with EF>45%. So EF is important in prognosis. EF<45% is a bad prognostic indicator. 2D Echocardiography is used to diagnose and follow up peripartum cardiomyopathy. Early diagnosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy by 2D echo helps in better management and avoids maternal morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM), 2D Echocardiography (2DEcho), Cardiac failure, High risk Pregnancies, Ejection Fraction.