Critical Care Obstetrics

Pulmonary Hypertension and Pregnancy

An Overview

GEI, ALFREDO MD^*; MONTÚFAR-RUEDA, CARLOS MD^†

^*Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas

^†Complejo Hospitalario, Caja de Seguro Social, Panama City, Panama

The authors declare that they have nothing to disclose.

Correspondence: Alfredo Gei, MD, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, 6431 Fannin MSB-3.270 A, Houston, TX. E-mail: [email protected]

Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology 57(4):p 806-826, December 2014. | DOI: 10.1097/GRF.0000000000000076

Abstract

Pulmonary hypertension is a syndrome infrequently associated with pregnancy. Despite advancements in therapy during the past 25 years and encouraging reports of improved outcomes, pulmonary arterial hypertension remains a devastating disease with a significantly reduced lifespan. This disorder should still be considered a contraindication to pregnancy. The decision of a patient to continue the pregnancy should be supported by an empathetic group of health care professionals who would optimize their treatment and hopefully their pregnancy outcomes and survival after delivery. We overview here different aspects of the diagnosis, evaluation, management, and counseling of patients suffering from pulmonary hypertension during pregnancy.